Mission Style Slag Glass Table Lamp (often colloquially referred to as a Tiffany-style or Arts and Crafts lamp)
Lighting / Table Lamp · Mission / Arts and Crafts Revival; though the design originates from the 1900-1920 period, this piece exhibits characteristics of a late 20th-century revival (c. 1980s-1990s). · Likely a manufacturer such as Quoizel, Dale Tiffany, or Meyda Tiffany; no visible maker's marks are apparent in the photo, suggesting a commercially produced revival piece.
Type
Lighting / Table Lamp
Style Period
Mission / Arts and Crafts Revival; though the design originates from the 1900-1920 period, this piece exhibits characteristics of a late 20th-century revival (c. 1980s-1990s).
Material
The shade is composed of amber slag glass panels with leaded or zinc cames and decorative glass cabochons (jewels). The base is likely cast spelter (white metal) or resin with a bronze-toned cold finish. Includes corded textile tassels.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990–2010. The condition of the electrical cord and the crispness of the base casting suggest a modern reproduction of a turn-of-the-century design.
Dimensions
Height: 22-24 inches; Shade Width: 14-16 inches square. Typical for a standard residential end-table or desk lamp.
Origin
Commonly manufactured in China or the United States for the home decor market; follows the American Craftsman aesthetic popularized in the Midwest/New York.
Designer/Maker
Likely a manufacturer such as Quoizel, Dale Tiffany, or Meyda Tiffany; no visible maker's marks are apparent in the photo, suggesting a commercially produced revival piece.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150–$300. Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than antique rarity.
Description
This Mission-style table lamp features a geometric pyramidal shade composed of striated amber slag glass. The shade is accented by vertical leaded lines interlaced with oval glass 'jewels' that provide a warm, textured glow when illuminated. Its base is highly architectural, featuring a flared pedestal with neoclassical fluting and acanthus leaf motifs, supported by four bracket feet. It balances the rugged simplicity of the Arts and Crafts movement with the more ornamental 'Slag Glass' trends of the early 1900s.
Key Features
Pyramidal shade geometry, amber slag glass panels, decorative glass 'jewels' (cabochons), dual pull-chains with tassels, and a cast metal base with an oil-rubbed bronze patina.
Color & Finish
Dominant honey/amber glass tones with dark oil-rubbed bronze finish on the metalwork. The base features a matte, dark chocolate patina with reddish-copper highlights on raised relief.
Construction Method
The shade utilizes copper foil or lead caming technique to secure glass panels. The base is machine-cast with factory-applied patina, mimicking hand-forged bronze.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Soldered metal fretwork on the shade; casting marks on base typical of mass-production rather than artisan hand-forging. Precision is consistent with high-end decorative retail standards.
Wood Grain & Species
None; the piece is metal and glass.
Surface Treatment
Chemically darkened patina on the base to simulate age; 'hammered' texture on the metal caming to emulate early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Upholstery Details
N/A; however, features twin decorative textile pull-chain tassels in a gold/bronze braided finish.
Hardware & Fittings
Standard dual-socket cluster (under shade), threaded finial at the top, and dual pull-chain switches. Modern plastic-coated electrical cord.
Origin & Provenance
Commonly manufactured in China or the United States for the home decor market; follows the American Craftsman aesthetic popularized in the Midwest/New York.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Some visible dust and light oxidation (whitening) on the lead caming of the shade. No visible cracks in the glass panels. Wiring appears intact.
Interesting Facts
Slag glass, also known as marble glass, was originally created by adding slag (a byproduct of iron smelting) to molten glass to create the streaked, opaque appearance seen here.
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring popularity of the Arts and Crafts movement, which prioritized 'honest' materials and hand-made aesthetics in reaction to the Industrial Revolution’s mass-produced goods.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with authentic Tiffany Studios lamps. Genuine Tiffany pieces use thinner copper foil, higher-quality glass, and are invariably marked 'Tiffany Studios New York' on the base and shade rim.
Care & Maintenance
Clean glass panels with a soft, lint-free cloth and a small amount of lemon oil or specialized glass wax. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners which can degrade the soldered joints. Dust the base with a dry microfiber cloth.
Value Estimate
Retail/Market Value: $150–$300. Value is driven by decorative appeal rather than antique rarity.
Sustainability Notes
The use of lead in the soldering requires careful handling if repaired. As a high-quality decorative object, it has a long lifecycle, preventing it from entering the fast-furniture waste stream.