Posted by Rudy Veraar
on December 29, 2025
Unlock the Secrets of Tiffany Stained Glass
Welcome to the most complete and specialized glossary on Tiffany lamps and stained glass. Whether you are an enthusiast, collector, or restorer, understanding the unique terminology—from Opalescent Glass to the Copper Foil Technique—is essential. This guide provides concise and accurate definitions to deepen your knowledge. Use the A-Z navigation below to find your term immediately and fully grasp the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Who was Agnes Northrop?
Agnes Northrop (1857–1953) was a leading female designer at Tiffany Studios, famous for her detailed landscape and floral stained glass windows. She worked for the company for nearly 50 years and was a pioneer in introducing landscapes as independent subjects. Agnes Northrop: The Pioneer Behind Tiffany's Landscape Windows
Who was Alice Carmen Gouvy?
Alice Carmen Gouvy (c. 1870–1924) was Clara Driscoll’s closest assistant and a versatile designer at Tiffany Studios. She was crucial to various departments, including developing formulas for the enamel department and creating designs for ceramics and bronze. Read more about her multidisciplinary contributions.
What is Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau, also known as Jugendstil, is an international art movement from the late 19th century characterized by organic, asymmetrical forms and fluid lines, directly inspired by nature. Louis Comfort Tiffany was a leading figure of this movement in America and translated this aesthetic into revolutionary glass and lighting designs. Read here how Tiffany translated the Art Nouveau style into glass.
Who was Arthur J. Nash?
Arthur J. Nash (1849–1922) was an experienced English glassblower and chemist who led the Tiffany Studios glass furnaces in Corona, Queens. He was hired in 1892 and was crucial in developing the secret formulas for the unique Favrile glass and mixing colors in a molten state. Read here more about his indispensable technical expertise.
What is the Arts and Crafts movement?
The Arts and Crafts movement is a late-19th-century artistic movement that advocated for honest craftsmanship, handwork, and unity of design as a reaction against industrial mass production. Louis Comfort Tiffany embraced the emphasis on natural inspiration and the principle that objects should be both useful and beautiful. Read here how Tiffany reconciled this anti-industrial philosophy with large-scale production.
B
What is Beading (Soldering Technique)?
Beading is a finishing technique where additional solder is applied to the outside of the solder seams to create a smooth, rounded line. This process, which forms a semi-circular profile, serves to protect the copper foil edges and contributes to both the structural reinforcement and the visual refinement of the lamp shade. Read here more about the Copper Foil Method and Beading.
What characterizes a Bronze Base for Tiffany lamps?
An original Tiffany lamp base is made of heavy, solid bronze and functions as a sculptural work of art that supports the design of the glass shade. These bases were manufactured using the labor-intensive lost-wax process (cire perdue) and finished with complex chemical patinas, such as the signature Tiffany Green. Discover here the role of the lost-wax process and patina in the lamp bases.
Who was Siegfried Bing?
Siegfried Bing (1838–1905) was an influential art dealer and the founder of the Art Nouveau movement. Through his Parisian gallery L'Art Nouveau, he introduced the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany to Europe, which led to Tiffany's international breakthrough and recognition in museums worldwide. Read here more about the crucial collaboration between Bing and Tiffany.
C
What is Cathedral Glass?
Cathedral Glass is a transparent, colored glass type that allows direct light to pass through, unlike opaque opalescent glass. Although Tiffany became famous for his 'painting with glass,' he used Cathedral Glass strategically for accents to create a sharp contrast in brightness. Read here more about the interplay between transparency and opacity.
Who was Clara Driscoll?
Clara Driscoll (1861–1944) was the influential head of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department at Tiffany Studios and the proven designer of the most iconic lamps, including the Dragonfly and the Wisteria. She led the "Tiffany Girls," a specialized team that selected and cut glass, and by 1904 was one of the best-paid women in New York. Read here more about her crucial role and the team of Tiffany Girls.
What is a Cobweb Lamp?
The Cobweb Lamp is a rare and highly complex Art Nouveau design by Tiffany Studios. The central feature is the pattern of a spider web, often combined with branches and blossoms, with an irregular border that follows natural lines. Read here more about this rare, artistic, and technically complex design.
What is Confetti glass?
Confetti glass, also known as Fractured glass, is a specialized type of Tiffany glass where small, irregular glass shards are rolled into the surface of a hot, molten glass sheet. This technique creates a layered texture and depth, ideal for depicting complex landscape backgrounds or dense foliage. Read here more about the production technique and use of Confetti glass.
What were the Corona Glass Factories?
The Corona Glass Factories were the crucial production facilities... Read here how this complex guaranteed the independence and quality of Tiffany.
What is Cypriote glass?
Cypriote glass is a rare type of Favrile glass with a unique, rough, irregular, and pitted surface structure. Tiffany developed this technique to mimic the natural weathering and iridescent effects of ancient Roman glass. Read here how this effect was achieved through physical manipulation of the hot glass.
D
What is Drapery Glass?
Drapery Glass is a highly textured type of opalescent glass in which molten glass is folded into thick, three-dimensional pleats using hand tools. This innovative technique mimics the fabric of clothing or the curved texture of flower petals, eliminating the need to paint shadows on the glass. Read more here about this sculptural innovation by Tiffany Studios.
What is a Dragonfly Lamp?
The Dragonfly Lamp is an iconic Art Nouveau design by Tiffany Studios, characterized by dragonflies with filigree wings and glass eyes, placed over a background of water or flowers. This design, attributed to Clara Driscoll, won a medal at the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. Read more about the technique and authorship of this iconic design.
E
What is the Ecclesiastical Department?
The Ecclesiastical Department was a specialized branch within Tiffany Studios dedicated to the design and production of church windows, mosaics, and religious interiors. This productive department, led by Frederick Wilson, made extensive use of innovations such as Drapery Glass. Read more here about the artistic innovations and the role of Frederick Wilson.
What is Enamel (in Tiffany art)?
Enamel is a specialized technique where a glass-like paste is fused onto a metal surface (such as gold or copper) through exposure to high heat. Tiffany began experimenting with this in 1898 and applied it to jewelry, vases, and desk accessories to create intense colors and iridescent effects that resembled his unique Favrile glass. Read more here about the technique and the role of Alice Carmen Gouvy.
F
What was the Fancy Goods Department?
The Fancy Goods Department was the specialized and profitable branch within Tiffany Studios responsible for the design and production of reproducible luxury household goods. The product range included lamp shades, lamp bases, and smaller bronze accessories. Read here how this department formed the commercial engine of Tiffany Studios.
What is Favrile Pottery?
Favrile Pottery is a line of sculptural art ceramics produced by Tiffany Studios, with a strong emphasis on sculptural forms inspired by nature. The line, introduced in 1904, is characterized by innovative glazes that mimic iridescent effects, echoing his Favrile glass. Discover more here about the artistic freedom of the "Little Arcadia" department.
What is Favrile glass?
Favrile glass is a type of art glass patented by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1894, characterized by luxurious, opalescent hues and a distinctive iridescent surface quality. The color is embedded deep within the glass by mixing metal oxides, rather than being painted on. Read here how Tiffany achieved this luster through alchemy and the copper foil method.
What is a Flowered Cone?
A Flowered Cone is a category of Tiffany lamps with a cone-shaped shade, decorated with botanical motifs such as water lilies or arrowheads. The straight, sloping sides of the cone provide an excellent surface for depicting these patterns. Read here more about the classification and craftsmanship of this design.
What is Filigree?
Filigree is fine-mesh, etched metalwork placed over glass pieces for extra detail. Tiffany Studios applied this technique to represent the fragile wings of dragonflies or the veins of leaves, which was technically impossible with glass alone. Read here how metal and glass fuse in the Poppy and Dragonfly lamps.
Who was Frederick Wilson?
Frederick Wilson (1858–1932) was the chief designer of the Ecclesiastical Department of Tiffany Studios and was responsible for the design of more than 500 church windows and mosaics. His work combined theological themes with Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics and made innovative use of Drapery Glass. Discover here his influence on Tiffany's religious art.
G
What is Plating (Glass Layering)?
Plating is an innovative technique where Louis Comfort Tiffany placed multiple layers of glass (sometimes four to five) over each other to manipulate light transmission, color, and depth. This method created subtle shadow and 3D effects in windows and lamps, without the use of paint.
What are Geometric lamps?
Geometric lamps are an important category of Tiffany designs consisting exclusively of sleek, fundamental geometric shapes (triangles, squares, ovals). These patterns emphasize the purity of the glass and the precision of the copper foil technique, and were often associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. Read more here about the influences and production. Read more here about the influences, the male craftsmen, and the shift toward modernism.
What is a Gesamtkunstwerk?
Gesamtkunstwerk is a German concept that stands for a "total work of art," where architecture, furniture, and decoration work together in complete harmony. Louis Comfort Tiffany applied this principle by designing interiors as one unified experience, with the lighting determining the atmosphere and color of the coordinated space. Read here how Tiffany brought this concept to life in projects such as Laurelton Hall.
What is Tiffany-style Glass Mosaic?
Tiffany-style glass mosaic is an art form in which thousands of irregular pieces of Favrile glass (tesserae) are assembled into detailed, luminous images. Inspired by Byzantine art, Tiffany replaced traditional tiles with organically cut glass that follows the lines of the design, resulting in a brilliant play of color and light. Read more here about masterpieces such as 'Dream Garden' and mosaic lamp bases.
H
What is a Heat Cap?
The Heat Cap is the perforated bronze cap on top of the Tiffany shade that serves for ventilation and finishing. This essential component vents heat from the light bulbs and is a crucial feature for collectors to check the originality and patina of a lamp. Read here why this small part is crucial to the value of your lamp.
I
What is Iridescence?
Iridescence is the optical phenomenon where glass appears to change color depending on the viewing angle, similar to a peacock feather or an oil slick on water. At Tiffany Studios, this was the hallmark of Favrile glass; the effect was achieved by incorporating metal oxides into the molten glass, making the luster an inherent part of the material. Read more here about the alchemical process behind this unique luster.
J
Who was Joseph Briggs?
Joseph Briggs (1873–1937) was the Managing Director of Tiffany Studios and a master of mosaic art. He rose from office boy to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s right-hand man and oversaw monumental projects such as the 'Dream Garden' mosaic. Read more here about his impressive career and the Briggs collection in Accrington.
K
What is the Copper Foil Technique?
The copper foil technique is a construction method where glass pieces are wrapped at the edges with thin copper foil and then soldered together. This method replaced rigid lead cames, allowing Tiffany Studios to create complex, organic, and three-dimensional designs. Read here how this technique formed the basis for the iconic Tiffany lamps and the role of the Tiffany Girls.
L
What is a Laburnum Lamp?
The Laburnum Lamp is an iconic Tiffany design characterized by hanging yellow flower clusters and an irregular lower border that follows the natural growth of the tree. This complex model uses the copper foil technique to forge hundreds of small pieces of glass into an organic dome shape. Read more here about the artistic construction and the rarity of this design.
What was Laurelton Hall?
Laurelton Hall was the personal estate of Louis Comfort Tiffany on Long Island and served as his ultimate "Gesamtkunstwerk." In this dream house, he brought all his innovations in glass, mosaic, and architecture together into one harmonious whole. Many of his most revolutionary designs were developed specifically for this estate. Discover here how this lost paradise represented the highest form of Tiffany’s artistic vision.
What is a Lily Lamp?
The Lily Lamp is an iconic Tiffany design featuring slender bronze stems and shades of iridescent Favrile glass in the shape of lily flowers. It was one of the first lamps designed exclusively for electricity, with the wiring cleverly hidden inside the stems. Read here how this award-winning design revolutionized the lighting world.
What is Linenfold glass (Favrile Fabrique)?
Linenfold glass is a type of pressed glass that mimics the texture and folds of draped silk or linen. Introduced around 1913, this 'Favrile Fabrique' technique offered a sleeker, more modern alternative to the complex floral motifs, fitting early Art Deco. Read here how Tiffany transformed glass into the suggestion of woven textile.
What are Lead Cames?
Lead cames are H-shaped strips of lead traditionally used to hold glass pieces in windows. Although robust for large flat surfaces, they are too rigid for the fine, organic details of Tiffany lamps. Read here why Tiffany made the switch from traditional lead cames to the copper foil technique.
Who was Louis Comfort Tiffany?
Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933) was a revolutionary American artist and leader of the Art Nouveau movement, famous for his innovations in stained glass. He rejected traditional painting on glass and developed techniques such as Favrile glass and the copper foil method to "paint with light." Discover more here about the visionary behind the iconic Tiffany lamps and his quest for beauty.
M
What is the Mission Style?
The Mission Style is a design movement that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and clean geometric lines. Tiffany Studios produced geometric lamps in this style that fit perfectly with the robust Arts and Crafts interiors of the early 20th century. Read more here about the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright and the shift toward modernism.
What is Mottled Glass?
Mottled Glass is glass with irregular, patchy color patterns that suggest foliage or sunlight. This effect was created through controlled crystal growth during the cooling of the molten glass and forms the basis for Tiffany's lifelike backgrounds. Read more here about the chemistry behind these unique, mottled textures.
What are Mosaic Lamp Bases?
Mosaic lamp bases are exclusive bronze bases inlaid with thousands of tiny pieces of colored glass (tesserae). This technique transforms the base from a functional support into a standalone, often luminous work of art and is among the most precious collectibles. Discover here how these bases were crafted and why they are so rare.
N
What is a Nautilus Lamp?
The Nautilus Lamp is a figurative design where the shade mimics the natural spiral shape of a nautilus shell. This early Art Nouveau masterpiece often rests on a bronze base with maritime themes and utilizes the pearlescent luster of Favrile glass. Read more here about the sculptural base and the technical construction of this shell design.
O
What is an Irregular Border?
An irregular border is a design feature where the edge of the shade follows the organic contours of flowers or branches instead of a straight line. This technical feat, frequently used in models such as the Wisteria, enhances the illusion of a natural object. Read more here about the technical complexity and the iconic models with this feature.
What is Opalescent glass?
Opalescent glass is a milky, opaque glass type that scatters light with a rainbow-like glow. Tiffany perfected this glass to create depth and three-dimensional effects without using paint, which formed the basis for his revolutionary 'painting with glass' philosophy. Read more here about techniques such as drapery glass and the shift from the European tradition.
P
What is Patina?
Patina is a chemical surface treatment that forms a durable, colored layer on the bronze or solder of a Tiffany lamp. It is not paint, but an oxidation process that gives the metal an artistic aged appearance and visually harmonizes the solder lines with the glass. Read more here about iconic recipes such as 'Tiffany Green' and its importance for authenticity.
What is the Peacock Feather Motif?
The Peacock Feather motif is one of the most complex Tiffany designs, where the 'eyes' of the feather are mimicked with iridescent Favrile glass. This symbol of immortality was translated by Tiffany into vases, mosaics, and the rare Peacock Lamp. Read more here about the symbolism and the technical challenge of this iconic pattern.
What is a Peony Lamp?
The Peony Lamp is a colorful Tiffany design featuring lush peonies in full bloom. Through the use of deep red and pink glass and techniques such as plating, this model is considered one of the most complex floral lamps. Read more here about the various models and the role of Clara Driscoll.
What is a Pond Lily Lamp?
The Pond Lily Lamp is a rare masterpiece where the bronze base and glass shade form one organic sculpture. This award-winning design from 1902 was a pioneer in electric light and, with a record value of 3.37 million dollars, is among the most precious lamps in the world. Read more here about the rarity and the technological revolution of this design.
What is a Poppy Lamp?
The Poppy Lamp is an iconic Tiffany design with vibrant poppies, recognizable by the use of delicate filigree work on the glass. Designed by Clara Driscoll, this model combines layered glass with metalwork to mimic the fine details of the poppy. Read more here about the unique plating technique and the symbolism of this design.
R
What is Ring-Mottled Glass?
Ring-mottled glass is a type of opalescent glass with a patchy, ring-shaped pattern that mimics the effect of sunlight filtered through leaves. This complex glass was created through controlled crystallization during cooling and is today a crucial feature for authenticating original Tiffany lamps. Read more here about the secret chemistry and the rediscovery of this unique glass.
What is Ripple Glass?
Ripple Glass is a type of glass with a wavy, wrinkled surface that mimics the movement of water or clouds. Due to the varying thickness of the glass, the light changes as you walk past the lamp, creating a lively and dynamic effect. Read more here about the texture and light refraction of this unique glass.
S
What is Streamer Glass?
Streamer glass is a glass type where thin, hand-drawn glass threads (streamers) are fused onto a hot glass sheet. Tiffany used this technique to "draw" fine, linear textures such as grass, twigs, and reeds directly into the glass without using paint. Read here how Tiffany used liquid glass threads for realistic perspective in his landscapes.
T
Who were the Tiffany Girls?
The Tiffany Girls were the skilled craftswomen of the Women’s Glass Cutting Department, who, under the direction of Clara Driscoll, designed and created the most iconic Tiffany lamps. Despite opposition from male unions, they were responsible for the glass selection and refined copper foil technique of masterpieces such as the Dragonfly and Wisteria. Read more here about their struggle for recognition and their unique eye for color.
What is Tiffany Green?
Tiffany Green is a specific blue-green patina that gives bronze an antique, weathered appearance through a chemical oxidation process. Developed in 1897, this finish mimics the natural corrosion of antique bronze and constitutes an essential feature for the authentication of original lamp bases. Read more here about Leslie Nash's secret recipe and the maintenance of this delicate patina.
What was Tiffany Studios?
Tiffany Studios (1902–1932) was the enterprise in which Louis Comfort Tiffany realized his artistic vision on a large scale. Based in Corona, Queens, this "art factory," employing hundreds of craftsmen, produced the world-famous Favrile lamps, stained-glass windows, and mosaics. Read more here about the vertical integration and the decline of this iconic institution.
What is Turtleback glass?
Turtleback glass consists of thick, convex glass tiles that mimic the texture of a turtle shell. These iridescent tiles were used by Tiffany Studios in exclusive lamp bases and lanterns to add texture and depth, especially when combined with internal electric lighting. Read more here about the transformation from oil reservoir to luminous sculpture.
V
What is the Lost-Wax Casting method (Cire Perdue)?
The lost-wax method is a sophisticated casting technique used by Tiffany Studios to craft sculptural bronze lamp bases with extreme precision. Unlike sand casting, this method allows for complex organic shapes and fine details, with the mold being destroyed after each casting process. Read more here about the thirteen-step process and how it formed the basis for Tiffany’s "Gesamtkunstwerk."
W
What is a Wisteria Lamp?
The Wisteria Lamp is a technical masterpiece by Tiffany Studios, consisting of approximately 2,000 pieces of glass that mimic the hanging clusters of wisteria. Designed by Clara Driscoll around 1901, this model gained worldwide fame for its organic integration of a bronze tree structure and an irregular glass border. Read more here about the construction and the record value of this Art Nouveau icon.
What was the Women's Glass Cutting Department?
The Women's Glass Cutting Department was the creative backbone of Tiffany Studios, where the "Tiffany Girls," led by Clara Driscoll, designed the most iconic lamps. Established in 1892 as a strategic response to labor unrest, this department combined technical craftsmanship with a superior sense of color for masterpieces like the Dragonfly and Wisteria. Read more here about their struggle for recognition and their revolutionary influence on glass art.
Y
What is the role of the Y.W.C.A. at Tiffany?
The Y.W.C.A. served as the primary source for recruiting the "Tiffany Girls" for the Women's Glass Cutting Department. Louis Comfort Tiffany sought highly educated women with an artistic background there, which led to the creation of the most sophisticated lamp designs. Read more here about the artistic training of these women and their impact on the studio.
Z
What is the Zodiac motif?
The Zodiac motif is one of the most popular designs for the bronze desk accessories from Tiffany Studios. This line in the "Fancy Goods Department" is characterized by stylized symbols of the zodiac, executed in a robust, almost Celtic-looking style. Read more here about the various components and the patina of the Zodiac collection.
