Iris Corsage, Tiffany & Co.
Circa 1900, Tiffany & Co., designed by Paulding Farnham (American, 1859-1927), with gems selected by George Frederick Kunz (American, 1856-1932)
The Iris Corsage represents the combination of art, science, and national pride that characterized World's Fairs. A pamphlet by Tiffany explained how the piece showcases the mineral wealth of the United States: the 120 sapphires are from Montana. Other innovative materials have been skillfully employed to mimic the appearance of a bearded iris: green gold is used for the stem, and blued steel complements the sapphires that form the petals.
Montana sapphires, diamonds, demantoid garnets, golden topaz, blued steel, gold alloys, platinum
57-939, acquired by Henry Walters, 1900
(transcribed from exhibit plaque)
Part of "From Rye to Raphael: The Walters Story", at The Walters Art Museum.
Iris Corsage, Tiffany & Co.
Circa 1900, Tiffany & Co., designed by Paulding Farnham (American, 1859-1927), with gems selected by George Frederick Kunz (American, 1856-1932)
The Iris Corsage represents the combination of art, science, and national pride that characterized World's Fairs. A pamphlet by Tiffany explained how the piece showcases the mineral wealth of the United States: the 120 sapphires are from Montana. Other innovative materials have been skillfully employed to mimic the appearance of a bearded iris: green gold is used for the stem, and blued steel complements the sapphires that form the petals.
Montana sapphires, diamonds, demantoid garnets, golden topaz, blued steel, gold alloys, platinum
57-939, acquired by Henry Walters, 1900
(transcribed from exhibit plaque)
Part of "From Rye to Raphael: The Walters Story", at The Walters Art Museum.