Tiffany Studios
Turtle Back Hanging Shade

American, circa 1900
Diameter: 22 inches (55.9 cm)

A rare Tiffany Studios hanging shade comprising a series of large leaded "Turtle Back" Tiffany Glass Tiles in a golden amber color, with rich surface iridescence. The gold finish of the leading and bronze hardware harmonize with the glass in the shade; this rare patina was offered by Tiffany Studios for an additional 25% on top of the purchase price of any lamp.

This shade features an unusual addition of plating to the interior: each of the individual Turtle Back tiles is backed by a hand-cut piece of white glass, which diffuses the light passing through the thick tiles.

A similar example of this design, without interior plating, is in the permanent collection of Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (accession no. 2018-1-1), and is on display as part of the ongoing exhibition “Passion for the Exotic.”

American, circa 1900
Diameter: 22 inches (55.9 cm)

A rare Tiffany Studios hanging shade comprising a series of large leaded "Turtle Back" Tiffany Glass Tiles in a golden amber color, with rich surface iridescence. The gold finish of the leading and bronze hardware harmonize with the glass in the shade; this rare patina was offered by Tiffany Studios for an additional 25% on top of the purchase price of any lamp.

This shade features an unusual addition of plating to the interior: each of the individual Turtle Back tiles is backed by a hand-cut piece of white glass, which diffuses the light passing through the thick tiles.

A similar example of this design, without interior plating, is in the permanent collection of Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum (accession no. 2018-1-1), and is on display as part of the ongoing exhibition “Passion for the Exotic.”