| Dealers
classify Tiffany lamps into distinct groups. The
term Favrile, meaning handcrafted, is associated
with the first and simplest shades made by Louis
Comfort Tiffany. An early patent obtained by Tiffany
under the name Favrile encompassed several types
of glass used in the manufacture of stained-glass
windows as well as leaded and blown shades. However,
the term now is associated with blown forms such
as shades and other types of hollow ware. Favrile
pieces are generally inscribed L.C.T. or Favrile,
while shades made from leaded glass are labeled
with impressed metal signature tags.
The term
geometric is applied to the group of leaded-glass
shades with the simplest designs, and includes
standard geometric shapes such as squares, triangles,
rectangles, ovals, ellipses, and rhomboids used
on panel, cone, and globe-shaped shades. Unlike
blown shades, the geometric and all ensuing groups
were fabricated from pieces of poured glass cut
in segments, edged with copper foil and leaded
or soldered together to form a complete unit.
A patinated bronze finish was then applied to
the lead or solder lines. The geometric group
is divided into two basic types: shades made from
a large number of small glass pieces and those
made from a limited number of large glass pieces,
such as turtleback tiles and Favrile Fabrique
panels.
The transition
to flowers group serves as a bridge between the
geometric and floral shades. It includes globe-shaped
shades of basic geometric design with added botanical
motifs. The group is divided into two categories:
geometric shades with borders or belts of flowers
and vines, and shades with scattered floral or
leaf patterns on geometric backgrounds.
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