Posted by Rudy Veraar
on December 29, 2025
The Peony Lamp is one of the most beloved and visually complex models by Tiffany Studios. The design showcases lush peonies in full bloom, utilizing a rich palette of deep red, pink, and purple hues to capture the natural splendor of the flower.
Painting with Glass: The Flowered Dome
These lamps typically fall under the category of Flowered Domes. The round shape of the shade lends itself perfectly to a realistic depiction of a flowering shrub. The Tiffany Girls selected each piece of glass for this model with extreme precision to suggest shadows and color gradations.
To achieve additional depth in the flower buds, plating was often used. This involved layering two or more pieces of glass to blend a color that could not be found in a single sheet of glass.
Variations: From Table to Floor Lamp
The studio produced the peony in various versions, each with its own character:
- Table Lamps: The most iconic form, often combined with an organic bronze base.
- Elaborate Peony: An imposing model, often as a floor lamp, in which the flowers cover the entire shade.
- Border Peony: A calmer design in which a band of peonies runs along the bottom edge of the shade.
Rarity and Value
Due to the enormous amount of manual labor and the popularity of the motif, original examples are highly sought after. Authentic Elaborate Peony floor lamps can fetch between $250,000 and $350,000 at auction. The quality of the patina on the base and the integrity of the glass are decisive factors for the price.
