MARK OF TIFFANY & CO., NEW YORK, CIRCA 1878, DESIGNED BY EDWARD C. MOORE

The present lot demonstrates Tiffany's use of mokume in their works of the late 19th century. The process, inspired by Japanese techniques, consists of hammering soldered layers of silver, copper, brass, and Japanese gold alloys to create a unique material resembling woodgrain. Based on the French import mark found on the pitcher offered here, it was possible it was shown at Tiffany's stand at the 1878 Paris Exposition. Deemed a major success for the firm, the blockbuster exhibition was especially praised for the display of works in the Japonisme taste with mixed metal decoration such as seen here. Edward C. Moore himself received a medal of honor for his works shown at the exposition, and Tiffany further received the Grand Prix for silverware, a gold medal for jewelry, and six further medals. A similarly decorated pitcher with copper and brass creatures sold at Christie's, New York, 20 January 2023, lot 581.