International studio (23.1904)

Notes on the Crafts

bered to correspond with the cartoon,
are then passed to yet other workers,
who lead them altogether in accord-
ance with the key-—and, lo and behold,
the materialization (though the word
seems unfit in association with things
of such beauty) of one of the exquisite
Tiffany leaded'glass lamp-shades. Per-
haps the design of the shade is a deco-
rative application of peacock’s feathers,
the metal of the lampstand designed in
unison; or it may be a cool, drooping
foliage, leaded over a mold giving the
effect of a tree-top; or, again, we see
the vine and its fruit glowing in softest
greens and purples, with intertwining
tendrils and leaves, overhanging the
stem, which is worked in bronze. The
choice is infinite—only two qualifica-
tions never vary; Good taste and good
workmanship.
But then, my excellent friend, the



FROM THE TIFFANY STUDIOS
pharisee, must not be left com-
fortless. The treasures of
Tiffany are inexhaustible, and
he, too, will find lamps de-
signed not with purely dec-
orative intent, but with prac-
tical use as their main object
—combined with tasteful form,
as a matter of course.
And so the student can
select receptacles for his mid-
night oil, or its electrical
equivalent, of matchless line
in classical or in modern con-
ception ; shedding the veri-
light of inspiration upon his
pages. Or the industrious
lady, embroidering of an
evening, can have an illumi-
nant in harmony with the
beauty of her silken toil, and
her tasteful boudoir—say, a
cluster of lilies showering light
from exquisite blossoms which
crown their graceful stems;
or a filtration of golden glow
through an impalpable leafy
network, softening the rays,
but not shadowing them.

cccxxxiv

FROM THE TIFFANY STUDIOS