Tiffany Studios New York "Turtleback" Tile Lantern
This Tiffany Studios turtleback tile lantern is composed of four amber turtleback tiles and a base adorned with a quatrefoil motif—formed by a square nested within a diamond. Each tile is framed by a rope-twist border. The lantern is suspended from four bronze chains, each accented with Favrile glass jewel spheres.
Item #: YL-22194
Artist: Tiffany Studios New York
Country: United States
Circa: 1900
Dimensions: 24" height, 8" width, 8" depth.
Materials: Favrile Glass, Bronze
Exhibition History: A similar example can be found in the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, FL, # 58-019,
Item #: YL-22194
Artist: Tiffany Studios New York
Country: United States
Circa: 1900
Dimensions: 24" height, 8" width, 8" depth.
Materials: Favrile Glass, Bronze
Exhibition History: A similar example can be found in the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Winter Park, FL, # 58-019,
Tiffany’s lantern design draws on the Egyptian fanous, a form he would have encountered in the streets of Cairo. Traditionally associated with Ramadan, the fanous dates to medieval Egypt, when lanterns were used to illuminate celebrations and, according to popular accounts, to welcome the Fatimid Caliph al-Muʿizz upon his arrival in Cairo during the holy month. Over time, the use of these lanterns spread across the Muslim world as a festive symbol of Ramadan.
Tiffany’s lantern design draws on the Egyptian fanous, a form he would have encountered in the streets of Cairo. Traditionally associated with Ramadan, the fanous dates to medieval Egypt, when lanterns were used to illuminate celebrations and, according to popular accounts, to welcome the Fatimid Caliph al-Muʿizz upon his arrival in Cairo during the holy month. Over time, the use of these lanterns spread across the Muslim world as a festive symbol of Ramadan.
