Identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a 'Jack-in-the-Pulpit' vase, widely considered the most iconic and sculptural form ever produced in art glass. It features a deep peacock blue iridescence with a 'stretched' or 'onion skin' texture on the wide, ruffled face, mimicking the organic curves of the woodland flower it's named after. Inspired by a wildflower on his Long Island estate, Louis Comfort Tiffany transformed a humble plant into a masterpiece.
Story
The 'Jack-in-the-Pulpit' vase represents Louis Comfort Tiffany's most iconic sculptural achievement in art glass, inspired directly by wildflowers blooming on his Long Island estate. Produced between 1900 and 1915, these organic, floriform vessels are quintessential expressions of the American Art Nouveau movement's fascination with nature.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed · Tiffany Studios, Corona, New York
Condition & Value
Pristine edges and deep, unblemished iridescence command premium prices, while even minor rim flakes or base bruises trigger severe market deductions in the art glass lane. The photos show a vibrant iridescence and a clean, polished pontil on the base.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The market for Tiffany's Jack-in-the-Pulpit vases is heavily tiered by scale, color, surface execution, and condition. Standard-to-large Gold Favrile examples (15 to 19 inches) form the market baseline, reliably trading between $5,000 and $12,000 at top modern design venues (such as recent $6,048 and $6,600 results at Rago). Pieces boasting exceptionally deep 'stretched' or 'onion skin' iridescence on the face command substantial premiums, with an 18-inch stretched gold example reaching $23,940. Scale also dictates value; however, the absolute highest tier is reserved for the ultra-rare 'Peacock Blue' variants. Monumental blue examples (19+ inches) enter the masterpiece tier, aggressively clearing $118,750 at Sotheby's and $161,000 at Christie's. Conversely, the art glass market is violently intolerant of damage; hairline cracks, bruises, or rim flakes routinely trigger 60-80% value deductions, dropping standard examples to the $1,000–$2,500 range.
▲ Scale and proportions (monumental sizes over 18 inches carry geometric premiums)
▲ Presence of deeply 'stretched' or 'onion skin' glass texture on the ruffled face
▲ Rare coloration, particularly Peacock Blue, which shifts the item into a six-figure masterpiece tier
▲ Pristine condition at the ruffled rim and polished pontil base
▼ Lack of documented dimensions, which dictates which sizing tier the vase belongs to
▼ Lack of documented color (valuation assumes Gold; Blue would massively increase value)
▼ Extreme vulnerability to condition issues (internal bruises, rim fleabites, hairline cracks)
▼ Presence of high-quality mid-century reproductions from studios like Lundberg
Best Venue
Sotheby's or Christie's (20th Century Design marquee sales) if Peacock Blue or over 18 inches; Rago Auctions or Heritage for standard Gold Favrile examples.
Upside Potential
If the piece measures over 18 inches and is executed in rare Peacock Blue Favrile, its Fair Market Value would elevate to the $80,000–$150,000+ range.