Tiffany Studios Wisteria lamp up 96% on estimate at Sotheby's

A Tiffany Studios "Wisteria" table lamp has made $1.5m at Sotheby's New York - up 95.6% on an $800,000 estimate.

It was the headline lot of the Important Tiffany sale, which took place on December 18.

Wisteria table lamp Sotheby's
The Wisteria lamp was produced in New York in 1905

Produced circa 1905, the lamp is an iconic piece of Americana comprised of around 2,000 individually cut pieces of glass. Each lamp features its own unique colour variations, with this example featuring a combination of rich cobalt and aqua.

The studio began producing the lamps in 1895, with the Wisteria among the most exclusive examples of the range. The price in the early 1900s was $400, which equates to around $10,500 in today's prices.

It was previously in the collection of Baroness Carmen Thyssen-Bornemisza - an important Spanish art collector.

The studios were in operation between 1878 and 1933, and developed techniques for the creation of stained glass that could produce a range of effects - from pearlescence to varying textures.

A Double Poinsettia table lamp was another highlight, realising $221,000 against a valuation of $180,000 - an increase of 22.7%.

A later example, it dates to 1910 and is constructed from patinated bronze and leaded glass arranged in a floral design.

Tiffany lamps are among the most desirable in the world, regularly achieving significant sums at auction.

The record was set in 2006 by a "Magnolia" floor lamp dating to 1920 that achieved $1.4m at Christie's New York.

Follow the link to sign up to our free newsletter for the latest on antiques and other collectibles.


Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock