Occasionally, historic, museum pieces from Tiffany & Co. are sold at auction, but attending a preview may not always be possible—and the risk of a bidding frenzy can sell even the smallest pendant well above its estimated value. Knowing this, veteran collectors have long sought a quieter source for treasures of this caliber: MS Rau, an antiques gallery in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter.
On Oct. 25, the 100-year-old institution will unveil “Treasures of Tiffany: Icons of American Design,” an exhibition of more than 80 Tiffany & Co. objects “that rival—and in many cases exceed—what is presented in the world's leading auction houses and museum collections,” says MS Rau's Marjorie Rawle, chief curator of the exhibition.
Tiffany poppy lamp.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
Lily window.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
City in the sky.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
Throughout the exhibition, visitors will immerse themselves in the stories behind the name Tiffany, revealing the lives and lore of its visionaries. For example, according to MS Rau, Louis Comfort Tiffany (aka LCT), son of founder Charles and the design house's first creative director, was known for breaking any glass he deemed imperfect. The undeniable highlight of the exhibition is a kaleidoscope of Tiffany windows by LCT, including one spanning six panels with a mermaid motif and another depicting white flowers against a pastoral landscape rendered in shimmering layers of blues and greens.
“LCT windows rarely come to market as most are still in their original context or in museums,” explains Rawle. The vibrant color palette of Tiffany glass — inspired both by the precious gemstones of his father's famous Tiffany & Co. jewelry and by nature — far exceeded that of traditional stained glass workshops, she adds.
Favrile tableware.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
Other LCT items on display (and available for purchase) include lamps, paintings, and the artist's famous Favrile glass decorative items and dinnerware. Known for its shimmering colors and iridescent luster, the proprietary material is considered a triumph of glassblowing and one of the cornerstones of LCT's artistic achievement. He even developed a patent for his invention in 1894.
The exhibition will feature a Favrile dinnerware set that glows a vibrant green that changes from pistachio to sea foam green depending on the light. Another highlight is a vase in rich red, a color that MS Rau says is the hardest and most difficult color to find.
water jug.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
Scarab necklace from LCT.
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
In addition to glass objects, there are also a number of precious metal objects. Among these rarities is a unique silver tankard that belonged to Abraham Lincoln and has not been on public display for more than 17 years. The historic vessel is decorated with Tiffany's Etruscan pattern No. 809, popular between 1854 and 1870.
Tiffany's “Bird on a Rock.”
Photo: Courtesy of MS Rau
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco diamond bracelet.
Photo: MS Rau
Of course, iconic jewelry from Tiffany & Co. such as Jean Schlumberger's “Bird on a Rock” and LCT's own creations are also part of the exhibition. Rawle says jewels are always a draw for MS Rau's collectors, who in the past have traveled long distances to the gallery to pick up rarities such as Art Deco-era Cartier masterpieces (part of an Erté exhibition in 2023) or Pope Paul VI's personal diamond cross and ring. featured in 2018's “Vice & Virtue.”
“These shows are unique moments for our customers in which they come into contact with treasures united under an exciting theme,” says Rawle.
“Treasures of Tiffany: Icons of American Design” is free and open to the public at 622 Royal Street in New Orleans and can be purchased online.