Poppy Inkwell

c. 1898–1906

Poppy Inkwell, c. 1898–1906. Attributed to Clara Wolcott Driscoll (American, 1861–1944), Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company (American, New York, 1892–1902), Tiffany Studios (American, New York, 1902–1932). Favrile glass mosaic, bronze; overall: 8 x 10.5 cm (3 1/8 x 4 1/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Charles Maurer 2018.289 By 1900 Louis Comfort Tiffany had expanded his empire by increasing the firm’s production of “fancy goods,” including inkstands, candlesticks, clocks, small boxes, desk sets, tea screens, and other functional objects. Along with the array of artistic glass designs from his factory in Corona, Queens, works in ceramic, bronze, other metals, and even jewelry abounded. These smaller, more affordable luxury items were designed with as much thought to artistry as the great stained glass windows and lamps through which the firm enjoyed unrivaled success. More than a thousand tiny pieces of glass form the mosaic design of this inkwell.