Wine glass
Medium
glasswares
Classification
glasswares
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Bequest of Joseph L. Morris
Accession Number
1966-55-6-c
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Louis Comfort Tiffany’s wine glass, created around 1900, exemplifies the American artist’s groundbreaking work in decorative glass. Best known as a leader of the Art Nouveau movement in the United States, Tiffany revolutionized glassmaking through his development of Favrile glass—a hand-blown technique that produced luminous, iridescent surfaces resembling ancient Roman and Near Eastern wares. This elegant drinking vessel reflects his commitment to elevating everyday objects into works of art. Tiffany’s studio combined advanced chemistry with traditional craftsmanship, coating molten glass with metallic oxides to achieve its signature shimmering effects. Produced during America’s Gilded Age, such pieces catered to an affluent clientele seeking refined, nature-inspired designs. The Smithsonian American Art Museum’s example, acquired through the bequest of Joseph L. Morris, preserves a rare glimpse into Tiffany’s exploration of functional yet luxurious glassware.