Begonia Reading Lamp

ca. 1905

Tiffany lamps were designed to be both beautiful and functional, but in many cases, the design is so seamless that we often miss their functional details. This Begonia Reading Lamp, for example, features a stunning floral canopy of leaded glass blossoms suspended from interwoven branches cast in bronze. Not only do the branches enhance the realism of the shade, but the small openings between them allowed for the intense heat of early lightbulbs to easily escape.

While most Tiffany lampshades and bases can be mixed and matched, the Pony Begonia was designed en suite. Its stunning floral canopy of leaded glass blossoms is suspended from interwoven branches cast in bronze, which perfectly coordinate with its gnarled tree trunk base. Not only do the branches enhance the realism of the shade, but the small openings between them allowed for the intense heat of early lightbulbs to easily escape.

Tiffany Studios, New York (1902-1932)
Leaded glass, bronze
Diameter 13 ½ in.
Shade and Base: Model no. 350
Shade: Marked TIFFANY STUDIOS / NEW YORK / 350-9
Base: Marked TIFFANY STUDIOS / NEW YORK / 350
N.86.IU.1a,b

Photo: David Schlegel