René Lalique was the father of modern jewellery, yet a move into glassmaking cemented his name as one of the great designers of the 20th century. We look at key questions for new collectors
An ‘Archers’ vase, no. 893, designed in 1921. Right, A unique ‘Clématites’ cire perdue vase, no. CP 232, from 1920
What distinguishes Lalique from other glassmakers?
You only have to look at a piece by René Lalique (1860-1945) to realise that the designer had a unique approach to glassmaking. There’s a clarity and precision in his designs that pieces by his contemporaries and imitators lack; Lalique was able to control glass masterfully, using the material to realise his creative vision.
René Lalique (1860-1945), a ‘Palestre’ vase, model introduced 1928. 15⅞ in (40.1 cm) high. Sold for $362,500 on 13 December 2012 at Christie’s in New York
Lalique first began to experiment in the early 1900s, having enjoyed a successful career as a jewellery designer working in some of the world’s top ateliers. Glass became the focus of his work for the next 40 years — the artist embracing changing styles including Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Modernism.
What were his favourite subjects?
A ‘Danaides’ vase, no. 972, designed 1926. 7¼ in (18.3 cm) high. Sold for £2,500 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-a-rare-cluny-vase-no-961-5623646/A rare ‘Cluny’ vase, no. 961, designed 1925. Smoky glass with patinated bronze handles engraved R. Lalique France. 26.4 cm high. Sold for £121,250 on 13 November 2012 at Christie’s in London
Lalique’s inspiration was always nature, whether it was the human body — particularly the female form — birds, fish or plants. Although he returned to the same subjects, each new interpretation of them was distinctive.
A rare ‘Poisson’ vase, no. 925, designed 1921. Electric blue intaglio, engraved R. Lalique, France. 24 cm high. Sold for £79,250 on 31 May 2012 at Christie’s in London
The female figures he depicts on vases, plates or as car mascots are mythological and timeless — as exemplified by the opalescent Voilée Mains Jointes statuette from 1919, above.
How should I start a collection?
A ‘Grenouille’ car mascot, no. 1146, designed 1928. 2½ in (6 cm) high. Sold for £7,500 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
A ‘Vitesse’ car mascot, no. 1160, designed 1929. 7¼ in (18.5 cm) high. Sold for £5,625 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
Although factors affecting value are a consideration, the designer’s work is so varied that a personal collection can be shaped to your own taste and budget, from around £500 upwards to nearer £50,000.Those beginning a collection might also consider buying by object. Lalique designed a huge variety of pieces, including lighting, vases, bowls, plates, decanters and glasses, car mascots, scent bottles, jewellery and statuettes, to name but a few. As well as being a designer, he was a super salesman, selling a vast quantity of pieces on the international market, and establishing a reputation for quality and luxury that continues more than 60 years after his death.
René Lalique (1860-1945), an ‘Epines’ black glass box with white patina, model introduced 1911. 7½ in (19 cm) wide. Sold for $134,500 on 13 June 2008 at Christie’s in New York
Some collectors aim to collect particular designs in every colour produced — the Perruches vase, for example, is available in tones including teal, lime, amber, electric blue, cased red, emerald, cased yellow, cased jade and opalescent.
Why do prices vary for the same design?
An ‘Archers’ vase, no. 893, designed 1921. 10½ in (26.8 cm) high. Sold for £5,250 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
Open link https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5970332An ‘Archers’ vase, no. 893, designed 1921. 10⅜ in (26.5 cm) high. Sold for £8,750 on 9 February 2016 at Christie’s in London
It can be confusing to discover two seemingly similar items priced with different pre-sale estimates. Different colours have different values, with clear and frosted pieces usually less expensive than coloured works.
The rarity of a particular colour for a given design also affects its commercial value, as, of course, does the number of people seeking a specific colour at any given time. In some instances, it’s possible that there are only a handful of similar vases.
A ‘Gros Scarabees’ vase, no. 892, designed 1923. 11½ in (29 cm) high. Sold for £32,500 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
Cased pieces — consisting of two or more fused layers of glass, rather than a single layer — are also more likely to command a higher price.
The process of casing made production more costly, resulting in works that are less translucent, with a greater depth of colour. Shades of a single colour may vary too, and, on some occasions, a piece may feature staining —such as the jade-green and white-stained Scarabées vase above — all of which can impact on value.
How important is condition?
Cracks, chips, nicks, bruises and filled drill-holes should be noted.Damaged glass is almost impossible to restore, although attempts are made to rectify issues that have arisen.
Damage to exceptionally rare works, however, can be considered less significant than damage to designs that are easily available. On occasion, pieces are polished or cut down in an effort to make them appear more presentable than they would be with obvious flaws.
What is the significance of age?
René Lalique (1860-1945), ‘Fruits’, an important chandelier, no. 2259, designed 1913. 58¼ x 45 in (148 x 114 cm). Sold for £317,250 on 16 October 2019 at Christie’s in London
Lalique items may be re-signed to appear older than they actually are.Pre-war works, made during René Lalique’s lifetime — he died in 1945— are usually signed R. Lalique, regardless of whether they are engraved, wheel-engraved, stencilled, moulded or intaglio.
Post-war works are normally just signed Lalique France, and are sometimes accompanied by the letter Rin a circle.Unlike marks, staining added to an item at a later date does not seem to impact its value negatively, but may in fact have a positive effect — probably because, in some instances, it is difficult to establish when a stain was added, and also because staining may add definition to the design as it appears on the surface.
What is cire perdue?
Cire perdue is an ancient form for casting a unique piece, in which a wax model is covered in plaster. It is then heated and the liquid wax removed and replaced with molten glass. Once cooled the plaster mould is destroyed. Cire perdue items have an absence of mould lines and are not polished. The clematis vase below conveys some of the most distinctive aspects of Lalique’s style: his artistic talent for stylised naturalistic elements and his flair for composition.
A unique ‘Clématites’ cire perdue vase, no. CP 232, designed 1920. 6⅜ in (16.3 cm) high. Sold for £56,250 on 15 May 2018 at Christie’s in London
The elaborate floral and foliage motif on the piece is enhanced by the delicate staining, and shows the influence of Japonism. Lalique’s knowledge of and admiration for nature is evident in his Art Nouveau period, but he continued to develop his love of naturalistic motifs throughout his entire career.
