NEW YORK, NY.- Edward C. Moore (1827–1891)—the creative force who led Tiffany & Co. to unparalleled originality and success during the second half of the 19th century—amassed a vast collection of decorative arts of exceptional quality and in various media, from Greek and Roman glass and Japanese baskets to metalwork from the Islamic world. The objects were a source of inspiration for Moore, a noted silversmith in his own right, as well as the designers he supervised. The exhibition Collecting Inspiration: Edward C. Moore at Tiffany & Co. features more than 180 extraordinary examples from Moore's personal collection, which he bequeathed to The Met, alongside 70 magnificent silver objects designed at Tiffany & Co. under his direction. Drawn primarily from the Museum's holdings, the display also includes seldom-seen examples from a dozen private and public lenders. A defining figure in the history of American silver, Moore played a pivotal role in shaping the legendary Tiffany design aesthetic and the evolution of The Met's collection.

The exhibition positions Tiffany & Co. works in dialogue with relevant groupings of objects that Moore collected. Highlights include the world-famous Bryant Vase (1876), which was the first example of American silver to enter The Met collection and incorporates classical Greek, Renaissance Revival, and Aesthetic movement elements; a silver pitcher (1874) accented with an exquisitely cast elephant head that serves as an example of Tiffany & Co.'s engagement with works of art from the Islamic world and the Indian subcontinent; and a recently acquired silver, copper, gold, and silver-copper-zinc alloy vase (1879) that draws technical and aesthetic inspiration from Japanese ceramics, lacquerware, and metalwork. These juxtapositions offer the public an enlightening glimpse into the sources of inspiration and working methods of a defining figure in the history of American silver.

The range of Moore's collection is represented through such diverse objects as: a 5th-century B.C. Greek vase; 1st-century Roman glass unguentarium (perfume bottle); 13th-century Syrian enameled glass bowl; ca. 1500 Spanish luster-painted earthenware dish; 18th-century Murano (Venetian) glass cup; 19th-century Japanese lacquered box; and a 19th-century Caucasian (probably Georgian) dagger.

After Moore's death, more than 2,000 objects and hundreds of books from his pioneering collection were donated to The Met, where they continue to inspire and educate artists and the broader public. The relationship between Moore and The Met is an important chapter in the story of American art and design education.