Image scanned and color-corrected by Pat Cagney.

Inkstand in the Shape of a Mushroom Cluster

Manufacturer Tiffany Studios (American, 1902-1932)

CultureAmerican

Dateca. 1902

MediumEnameled brass

DimensionsOverall: 4 1/8 x 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (10.5 x 10.8 x 16.5 cm)

InscribedSignature engraved on bottom: "Louis C. Tiffany". Stamped "EL 180". The number "48" is engraved/scratched near EL 180 and the number "377" (or 347) has a line scratched thru it.

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.2692

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 116-7, Case 43

DescriptionMetal inkstand with an enameled decoration. The bottom of the body is covered in shades of blue, green and gold. Five different mushrooms in relief circle the enameled base and are in shades of dark gold, blue and green with whited patches on the gills. A wide copper stem streaked with pale white and pastel green rises near the center and serves as the inkwell. A removable lid fits over the stem. The lid represents the cap of a mushroom and is enameled on the gills with pale white and green on the top with violet and green patches. The exterior has a light multicolored iridescence.

Label TextDesign attributed to Julia Munson American (1875-1971) Tiffany Studios Corona, New York Inkstand in the Shape of a Mushroom Cluster, ca. 1902 Enameled bronze and copper Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2692 Exhibition HistoryExhibitions International Tour: "Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist for the Ages," Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA, October 13, 2005 - January 4, 2006; Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, OH, February 2 - April 30, 2006; Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas, TX, May 30 - September 30, 2006; Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA, October 14, 2006 - January 14, 2007. "Tiffany Girls: A New Light on Tiffany," Singer Laren Museum, Amsterdam, December 18, 2008 - August 30, 2009; Villa Struck, Munich, October 15, 2009 - January 17, 2010. "Women of the Chrysler: a 400-Year Celebration of the Arts," Large Changing Gallery, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va., March 24 - July 18, 2010. "The Natural Beauty of Tiffany: Selections from the Chrysler Museum," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, August 18 - December 30, 2012.Published ReferencesPaul E. Doros. _The Tiffany Collection of the Chrysler Museum at Norfolk_. 1978, No. 218, Illus. p. 149. Janet Zapata. _The Jewelry and Enamels of Louis Comfort Tiffany_. London: Thames and Hudson, 1993, p. 66. Illustrated in black and white.