The Peacock Vase by Louis Comfort Tiffany, created around 1901, is a stunning example of the designer’s mastery of glassblowing and decorative arts. This exquisite piece, now part of the Stanley Siegel Collection, exemplifies Tiffany’s innovative approach to form, colour, and artistic craftsmanship.
Design and Aesthetic Features
One of the most striking aspects of the Peacock Vase is its fan-shaped top, which gracefully tapers into a bulbous base, creating a fluid and organic silhouette. The vase’s surface is adorned with a green and blue striated swirl decoration that loosely follows the contours of the form. This swirling pattern echoes the iridescent hues of a peacock’s plumage, which likely inspired its name. The interplay of colours and movement within the glass creates shimmering depth and dynamic energy.
Additionally, the vase has a ground pontil on its underside, indicating its hand-blown nature. This reinforces its status as a unique, handcrafted work of art. The base is etched with the marking “04646,” a characteristic detail in many of Tiffany’s glass pieces.
The Artistic and Historical Context
Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Art Nouveau Movement
The Peacock Vase was created during the height of the Art Nouveau movement. Fluid lines, organic motifs, and a celebration of craftsmanship characterized this period. Tiffany, a pioneer in American decorative arts, was deeply influenced by natural forms and the interplay of colour and light. His work in glassmaking, mainly through his Favrile glass technique, revolutionized the field by incorporating metallic and iridescent finishes, which enhanced the luminosity of his pieces.
The Influence of Nature and Symbolism
Nature played a central role in Tiffany’s aesthetic philosophy. The peacock, a symbol of beauty, renewal, and immortality, was a recurring motif in the decorative arts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Peacock Vase embodies this symbolism with its rich blue and green hues. It also showcases Tiffany’s technical brilliance in achieving seamless transitions of colour and texture within the glass.
Provenance and Exhibition History
Stanley Siegel gifted this exceptional vase, and it has been exhibited in several prominent museums, reflecting its significance in the decorative arts world. Some of its notable exhibitions include:
- Seattle Art Museum – Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist for the Ages (2005-2006)
- Toledo Museum of Art (2006)
- Dallas Museum of Art (2006)
- Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh (2006-2007)
- Cooper-Hewitt Museum, New York – Rococo: The Continuing Curve (2008)
- Cleveland Museum of Art – Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique (2008-2009)
- Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco (2009)
- Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, Scotland – America’s Smithsonian Treasures (1984)
The vase’s extensive exhibition history underscores its artistic and historical significance and its enduring appeal to collectors and scholars alike.
Dimensions and Medium
The Peacock Vase is crafted from blown glass. It demonstrates Tiffany’s unparalleled skill in manipulating molten glass to achieve organic and ethereal forms. Its dimensions are as follows:
- Height: 33.7 cm (13 1/4 inches)
- Width: 25 cm (9 13/16 inches)
- Depth: 14 cm (5 1/2 inches)
Conclusion
The Peacock Vase by Louis Comfort Tiffany is a testament to the designer’s ingenuity and artistic vision. Its fluid form, iridescent colours, and exquisite craftsmanship place it among the most celebrated examples of early 20th-century decorative glass. A perfect synthesis of nature-inspired design and technical innovation, the vase continues to captivate audiences. It remains a shining jewel in the legacy of Tiffany Studios.
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