Lot Essay
The present lot employs signature motifs of Tiffany designer Charles Osborne (1847-1920), such as his characteristic spiraled pearling technique. After joining Tiffany's in 1878, Osborne rapidly established himself as a talented designer in the Japanesque style. His work is characterized by swirling forms, pearl decoration, and marine motifs, all of which are exemplified in the present lot. Another coffee pot designed by Osborne with very similar motifs can be found in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (Acc. No. 1978.142). Osborne's distinguished career at Tiffany & Co. lasted nine years and proved to be one of the most successful for the firm. For more information on Charles Osborne and further examples of his work, see J. Loring, Magnificent Tiffany Silver, New York, 2001, pp. 154-179.