Favrile Glass

In 1893, Tiffany with the help of his head glassmaker Arthur J. Nash created his first blown-glass vases and bowls, which he called “Favrile” after an old English word for handmade. Favrile glass gained renown for its iridescence and brilliant colors, helping Tiffany secure his status as a world leader in glass art. Different colors were blended together in the molten state creating stunning effects. A piece was fumed with metallic oxides to achieve the luster. Botanical motifs were popular. Sensuous bulbous, pear, and gourd shapes were also very popular. Favrile glass helped Tiffany secure his status as a world leader in glass production.