Tiffany Lamps, Ahead of Their Time

Tiffany lamps are unique and generally sought after. They represent a movement in history as well as a history of an American business. Tiffany lamps have been around for over one hundred years. Its originator, Louis Comfort Tiffany, helped coin it's distinct design. Tiffany lampshades are typically constructed of various bits of stained glass bonded together by copper foil. Unlike many other types of furniture, these lamps are handmade by skilled craftsman.
Since Tiffany products are distinct in design, many forgers have tried to replicate the famous lamps. It is no wonder that these forgers want their work to pass for an original with a value of over $10,000. Many aging techniques are used to make the replicas appear as close to an original early 20th century lamp as possible. Such aging techniques include spraying on forms of dust, soil, or grime.
Unfortunately, these replicas of the Tiffany lamps often fool collectors of fine craftsmanship. Collectors going to get their "Tiffany" lamps appraised expect upwards of $10,000, but leave with an appraisal of less than $300. Today’s collectors of Tiffany lamps need to be well-informed about the product they are considering for purchase. For example, collectors should ask themselves if the lamp in question looks new or, rather, less worn than an original would be had it been over 80 years old. Collectors should not be discourage in their enterprises, but cautioned still the same. After all, a Tiffany lamp was once sold for more than a whopping $8,000,000.
You may ask, what is so appealing about a Tiffany lamp? Sure, there's its fine handmade craftsmanship to consider and the rarity of coveting an original, but what else?
Perhaps the Tiffany lamp best embodies the Art Noveau Movement that began in the late 19th century. Louis Comfort Tiffany was considered by many to be a leader in this "new art" movement. As movements are usually either an extension or reaction of the previous movement, Art Noveau was the latter. In a departure from the academic art that preceded it, Art Noveau was characterized by organic and highly stylized, flowing curvilinear forms. Motifs were especially floral and plant-inspired. Art Noveau encompassed everything from architecture to furniture. With this idea in mind, L. C. Tiffany constructed decorative art using such avenues as stained glass windows, lamps, glass mosaics, blown glass, ceramics, jewelry, enamels, and metalwork. With the help of Tiffany & Co., he was able to produce a number of these products to the masses.
Despite popular belief, Tiffany & Co. was not formed by L.C. Tiffany, but rather his father, Charles Louis Tiffany. When it was started in 1837, the company’s primary product was not fine jewelry and glassworks as it is today. The company was quoted to sell as more of a "stationery and fancy goods emporium." The emphasis later turned to fine jewelry and then, with the addition of Tiffany Studios at the beginning of the 20th century, glass-made products became a common staple to the business as well thus creating the famous lampshades.

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