Rare Pair 13.5” J&R Lamb Studios NY Brass Altar Vases, Priestly Blessing Script, 18+ Lbs.

An exceptional, monumental pair of signed, early 20th-century ecclesiastical altar vases by America’s oldest continuously operating decorative arts studio, J&R Lamb Studios (New York). Dating between 1900 and 1915, this matching cathedral-size pair is an exquisite crossover of American Art Nouveau and Gothic Revival church craftsmanship, featuring extensive hand-etched botanical details and deeply meaningful liturgy.

Provenance & Studio Importance

Stamped clearly on the underside of each base is the historic maker's mark: "J.&R. LAMB N.Y."

Founded in Manhattan in 1857, the Lamb Studios preceded Louis Comfort Tiffany in the American decorative arts and ecclesiastical guild movement. This specific "N.Y." designation dates the pair firmly to the studio's early Manhattan era, prior to their relocation to New Jersey in the mid-1930s.

Inscriptions & Liturgical Detail

Engraved deeply into the sweeping trumpet flare of the vases is the complete, historic text of the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24–25) in a timeless Roman serif typeface:

"The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious with thee."

Design & Craftsmanship

The vases exhibit incredible visual depth, blending structural Gothic Revival form with global Art Nouveau aesthetics. The bulbous mid-sections feature meticulously hand-carved, flowing floral and foliage motifs (passion flower/marigold) set against a heavily stippled, tool-punched background. A rich, warm, authentic aged brass patina settles deep into the recesses, beautifully highlighting the artisans' handiwork.

Architectural Presence & Condition

Standing at an impressive 13.5 inches tall and weighing a massive 9.2 lbs each (over 18 lbs total), these vases possess incredible physical presence. The significant heft comes from the original, poured-metal counterweighted bases—a traditional technique required by altar guilds to prevent top-heavy holiday arrangements (such as Easter lilies or palms) from tipping. They are completely solid, stable, and structurally sound with a natural, untouched vintage patina.

Specifications

• Maker: J&R Lamb Studios, New York City

• Circa: 1900–1915

• Material: Solid Hand-Etched Brass (Original Weighted Bases)

• Height: 13.5 inches

• Weight: 9.2 lbs per vase (18.4 lbs total pair)

• Condition: Excellent antique condition. Structurally perfect with beautiful natural oxidation in the crevices that accentuates the hand-etched design.

Designer & Dealer Notes

For the interior designer, these function as magnificent, heavy-scale statement pieces perfect for a mantle, sideboard, or library. For the collector of historical American metalwork, Arts & Crafts, or religious antiquities, this is an incredibly scarce opportunity to own signed, large-tier Lamb Studios metalwork featuring prominent scriptural engraving rather than generic church catalog patterns.