The tall cylindrical coffeepot with its free-floating dragonflies represents the Japanese influence
on the avant-garde art of the 1870s. Edward C. Moore, Tiffany’s chief designer, undoubtedly fell under this influence. In fabricating the piece, he employed the Japanese technique mokume, in which brass or silver is mixed in copper to achieve a swirled effect. The mokume waves achieve a cloudlike quality, interspersed among the applied dragonflies.
on the avant-garde art of the 1870s. Edward C. Moore, Tiffany’s chief designer, undoubtedly fell under this influence. In fabricating the piece, he employed the Japanese technique mokume, in which brass or silver is mixed in copper to achieve a swirled effect. The mokume waves achieve a cloudlike quality, interspersed among the applied dragonflies.
Details
| Manufacturer | Tiffany and Company, American, established 1837 |
|---|---|
| Title |
|
| Date | 1879 |
| Medium | silver, copper, brass, ivory, possibly with gold and niello |
| Dimensions | Overall: 9 1/4 × 6 1/8 inches (23.5 × 15.6 cm) |
| Credit Line | Founders Society Purchase with funds from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Theron Van Dusen and Beatrice W. Rogers Fund |
| Accession Number | 1985.11 |
| Department | American Art before 1950 |
| On View | Modern C233, Level 2 (see map) |
Signed, Marks, Inscriptions
| Marks | Struck, on bottom of pot: TIFFANY & CO | 5398 M 439 | STERLING SILVER | AND | OTHER METALS | 900 |
|---|
Provenance
Slavid and Applegate;
1985-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
1985-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
Published References
Bulletin of the DIA, 62, 2 (1985): p.11 (fig.10).
"American Decorative Arts Acquisitions 1985-2005." Bulletin of the DIA, 81, 1-2 (2007): p. 72.
"American Decorative Arts Acquisitions 1985-2005." Bulletin of the DIA, 81, 1-2 (2007): p. 72.
