Louis C. Tiffany Pink Peony Tea Towel

Known as a leader of the Art Nouveau and Aesthetic movements, Louis C. Tiffany (1848-1943) and his designers used his trademark favrile glass to express nature-inspired themes for extraordinary lamps and windows.

In line with the horticultural trends of the early 20th Century, the cottage garden - planted with a profusion of colorful flowers - was a source of inspiration for Tiffany’s designers. Often beginning with close observation of nature, they worked from detailed botanical photographs to create the initial watercolor sketches that would be translated into spectacular leaded glass compositions.

Tiffany Studios (1902-1932)
Probably designed by Clara Driscoll (1861-1944)
Peony Shade, ca. 1900-1904
Gift of Dr. Egon Neustadt, N84.83.1
New-York Historical Society