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Lot Essay
This exquisite American-themed matchsafe was exhibited by Tiffany & Co. at the Paris Exposition of 1889 and reflects chief designer Paulding Farnham's extraordinary attention to detail, both in the making of the object as well as the selection of rare American metals, precious stones and pearls. The United States's official catalogue at the fair describes the objects displayed by Tiffany as "purely American, the designs and decorations being suggested by forms and ornamentation of various tribes of North American Indians." This matchsafe reflects the designs of the tribes of the northwest coast, where the raven's head was a favorite motif in shamans' rattles and other sacred objects. The raven is traditionally shown holding an object in its beak; here Tiffany has inventively inserted American hardstones in two colors. Various references from the period cite the art of the Chilkat tribe as Farnham's specific inspiration.
In an inventory of the principle objects exhibited at the fair published in The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review of April, 1889 (Vol. 20, no. 3), this matchsafe is described as containing Californian abalone pearls, New Mexican turquoises, and American iron and gold. A cane-head of similar form and materials, also fashioned after a Chilkat raven's head and decorated with American abalone pearls and turquoises, was also included in the exhibition and is described in the official catalogue.
In addition to Farnham's use of native materials in creating the objects exhibited, critics also praised Tiffany for presenting its extensive collection of precious and ornamental stones found in the United States, said to be the most complete collection in existence. George F. Kunz, the firm's chief curator, traveled extensively in the United States gathering the specimens himself. The firm received a gold medal at the Exposition in recognition of Kunz's mineralogical and gemological work.
In an inventory of the principle objects exhibited at the fair published in The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review of April, 1889 (Vol. 20, no. 3), this matchsafe is described as containing Californian abalone pearls, New Mexican turquoises, and American iron and gold. A cane-head of similar form and materials, also fashioned after a Chilkat raven's head and decorated with American abalone pearls and turquoises, was also included in the exhibition and is described in the official catalogue.
In addition to Farnham's use of native materials in creating the objects exhibited, critics also praised Tiffany for presenting its extensive collection of precious and ornamental stones found in the United States, said to be the most complete collection in existence. George F. Kunz, the firm's chief curator, traveled extensively in the United States gathering the specimens himself. The firm received a gold medal at the Exposition in recognition of Kunz's mineralogical and gemological work.