A Monumental Tiffany Sterling Silver Centerpiece, Chicago 1893 Columbian Expo

Description: Presented is a monumental renaissance revival sterling silver centerpiece designed by Tiffany's designer extraorinare Paulding Farnham for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Paulding Farnham (1859-1927), a native of New York, began his apprenticeship with Edward C. Moore in 1879. Upon completing his training in 1885, he was hired by Tiffany & Co. as the general assistant to Edward C. Moore, no doubt at the recommendation of the latter. For the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle, Farnham designed 24 life-size orchid brooches made of enamel, silver, and green gold, accented with pearls and gemstones. His creation won the gold medal in the jewelry category at the exposition. The Paris Herald praised the brooches for their "boldness and originality," while the United States Commission to the Exposition described them as "one of the most striking features" of the event. The Jeweler’s Circular also commended Farnham, recognizing him as "a genius to whom the United States is indebted." Following his success at the Exposition, Farnham was promoted to assistant secretary in 1891 . That same year, after the death of his mentor Charles Moore, Farnham took over as the head of the jewelry department at Tiffany. His major contributions included designing pieces for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition and the 1900 Paris Exposition, as well as undertaking private commissions like the Belmont Cup, Dewey Sword, and Adams Vase. Farnham continued to receive praise for his innovative designs and remained a key creative force at Tiffany & Co until his retirement in 1908. A testament to Paulding Farnham's creative genius in design, this magnificent centerpiece is brilliantly executed with applied and chased putti and infant fauns with linked hands amidst applied and repousse grapevine. With four bi-furcated vine-form handles terminating at the rim in scrolls and grape bunches, raised on douple-paw feet, Gilt interior. The expected age-wear: gilding rubbed, marks on base rubbed, a few minor dings and some creases to interior, otherwise good condition. Length: 21 1/4" Weight: 135 toz(4,211 g) Track Page Views With Auctiva's Counter

Price: 39500 USD

Location: Reston, Virginia

End Time: 2025-01-26T14:02:16.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD