Louis C. Tiffany Dragonfly Embroidered Eyeglass Case, Wristlet, and Zip-Around Case Set

Description

Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) was one of America’s most noted decorative artists at the turn of the twentieth century. Starting in 1898, he adapted his methods of making stained-glass windows to the production of artful lampshades, frequently inspired by natural motifs. Extant preparatory sketches and watercolor cartoons indicate the great care that was taken in achieving the final design for the lampshades, many of which were custom-made. The elegant motif on our eyeglass case, wristlet, and zip-around case set is based on a working drawing (ca. 1905) for a round dragonfly shade in the Museum’s collection.

Silk. Fully lined.

Eyeglass case: Snap closure. 3 1/4''H x 7 1/2''W.
Wristlet: Top-zip closure. 4 1/4''H x 6 3/4''W.
Zip-around case: Multipurpose pockets. 4 3/4''H x 7''W.

Art History

Louis Comfort Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) embraced virtually every decorative arts medium, designing and directing the production of windows, mosaics, lighting, glass vases, pottery, metalwork, enamels, and jewelry. Of all his creative endeavors, stained glass brought him the greatest recognition. His Favrile glass, patented in 1881, was internally colored with variegated hues, which produced a milky, opaque, and in some instances rainbow-hued appearance when light shone through it. Unusual effects were created by introducing textures and adding different layers of glass or plating.