Lot Essay
Based on works with similar decoration, this bowl was likely designed by Charles Osborne (1847-1920), who joined Tiffany & Co. in 1878 after working as chief designer at Whiting Manufacturing Company. During his tenure at Tiffany, Osborne was known for his marine motifs and swirling forms, as well as his mastery of Japanesque design. Osborne's decorative motifs of dripping seaweed and high relief figures can be found on trophies designed for the Goelet Bennett yacht races, including the 1894 cup, sold at Christie's, New York, 20 January 2005, a cup in the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Accession Number 2016.362), and on a Trophy Bowl in the collection of the Museum of the City of New York (Accession Number M39.1.1).
An identical example of this model, along with it's pair depicting Tritons on sea dragons and two conforming candelabra, was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 20 October 2020, lot 80. Additionally, a pitcher with almost identical mermaids, dolphins, and seaweed decoration was sold at Christie's, New York, 24 January 2020, lot 412.
An identical example of this model, along with it's pair depicting Tritons on sea dragons and two conforming candelabra, was sold at Sotheby's, New York, 20 October 2020, lot 80. Additionally, a pitcher with almost identical mermaids, dolphins, and seaweed decoration was sold at Christie's, New York, 24 January 2020, lot 412.