7. 11.

2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

MY CHRISTIE’S (HTTPS://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/MYCHRISTIES/) ENGLISH

(http://www.christies.com/)

CALENDAR (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/CALENDAR/) BUYING (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/BUYING-SERVICES/) (HTTP://WWW.C

SELLING (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/SELLING-SERVICES/) COLLECTING-

DEPARTMENTS (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/DEPARTMENTS/INDEX.ASPX?SC_LANG=EN) GUIDE-8232-

STORIES (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/FEATURES.ASPX) 1.ASPX?

ABOUT US (HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/ABOUT-US/INDEX?SC_LANG=EN)

SC_LANG=EN)

Collecting Guide: Lalique

24 October 2017 Specialist Joy McCall answers seven key questions for
FURNITURE & DECORATIVE prospective buyers of the legendary French glassmaker’s
ARTS
(HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/FEATURES? exquisite pieces
CATEGORYID=6) |
COLLECTING GUIDE
(HTTP://WWW.CHRISTIES.COM/FEATURES?
1 at distinguishes Lalique from other
FEATURETYPEID=10)
glassmakers?
Highlighted Sale

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.

Lalique first began to experiment in the early 1900s, having enjoyed a

successful career as a jewellery designer working in some of the
(http://www.christies.com/salelanding/index.aspx?
intSaleID=27520)
world’s top ateliers. Glass became the focus of his work for the next 40
Lalique
years — the artist embracing changing styles including Art Nouveau,
Art Deco and Modernism.
LONDON

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 1/12
 7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

14 NOVEMBER 2017
(http://www.christies.com/salelanding/index.aspx? 2 at were his favourite subjects?
intSaleID=27520)

Learn More
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Salelanding/Index.Aspx?
IntSaleID=27520)

%
T WJ
Get the best stories
from Christies.com in
a weekly email.

Sign up now

*We will never sell or rent

your information. Privacy
Policy
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/contact/privacy/)

(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=5644822)

Rene Lalique (1860-1945), A ‘Palestre’ vase, model introduced

1928 (http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=5644822). 15⅞ in (40.1 cm) high. Sold for
$362,500 on 12-13 December 2012 at Christie’s in New York

(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=5571096)

Rare Poisson Vase, No. 925, designed 1921.

(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=5571096) Electric blue intaglio R. Lalique,
engraved France 24 cm high. Sold for £79,250 on 31 May
2012 at Christie’s in London, South Kensington

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.

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 2/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

The fan-tailed fish on his Formose vases, for example, dive across the
surface of the glass, while the large fish on the Poisson vases, such as
the one above right, overlap to form patterns.

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-bacchantes-vase-no-997-designed-1927-6108442-
details.aspx?from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108442&sid=b6aed269-2a8f-40bb-ade2-
9447353c9e4c)

A Bacchantes vase, No. 997, Designed 1927 (http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-

bacchantes-vase-no-997-designed-1927-6108442-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108442&sid=b6aed269-2a8f-40bb-ade2-9447353c9e4c).
9½ in (24.2 cm) high. Estimate: £15,000-25,000. This lot is offered in Lalique
(http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding/Index.aspx?intSaleID=27520&lid=1) on 14 November
2017 at Christie’s in London

The female figures he depicts, on vases, plates or as car mascots, are

mythological and timeless — as in the case of the opalescent and blue
stained Bacchantes vase from 1927, above.

3 How should I start a collection?

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 3/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

% Related Feature

Collecting guide:
(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
Art Nouveau
intObjectID=6068364)
jewellery
A Renard car mascot, no. 1182 Read more
(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=6068364). Designed 1930. 3⅛ in (8 cm) high; 8¼ (http://www.christies.com/featur
in (21 cm) long. Sold for £245,000 on 16 May 2017 at Nouveau-jewels-collecting-
guide-8546-1.aspx)
Christie’s in London, South Kensington

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-rare-tete-daigle-car-
mascot-no-6108488-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108488&sid=af3513f7-eef1-
447e-a13f-9e49e5a3ddd6)

A rare Tete d’Aigle car mascot, no. 1138, Designed 1928

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-rare-tete-daigle-
car-mascot-no-6108488-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108488&sid=af3513f7-
eef1-447e-a13f-9e49e5a3ddd6). 4¼ in (11 cm) high. Estimate:
£8,000-12,000. This lot is offered in Lalique
(http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding/Index.aspx?
intSaleID=27520&lid=1) on 14 November 2017 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.

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.

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 4/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

4 y do prices vary for the same design?

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 5/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-archers-vase-no-893-
designed-1921-6108517-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108517&sid=621723bf-02a6-
4fae-b454-0ca2d5d9ff22)

An Archers vase, no. 893, designed 1921

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-archers-vase-no-
893-designed-1921-6108517-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108517&sid=621723bf-
02a6-4fae-b454-0ca2d5d9ff22). 10½ in (26.7 cm) high.
Estimate: £4,000-6,000. This lot is offered in Lalique
(http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding/Index.aspx?
intSaleID=27520&lid=1) on 14 November 2017 at Christie’s in
London

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-archers-vase-no-893-
designed-1921-6108499-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108499&sid=f8984078-37e9-
43d3-8b5b-7327c9ff0c87)

An Archers vase, no. 893, designed 1921

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-archers-vase-no-
893-designed-1921-6108499-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intObjectID=6108499&sid=f8984078-
37e9-43d3-8b5b-7327c9ff0c87). 11¼ in (28.5 cm) high.
Estimate: £5,000-8,000. This lot is offered in Lalique
(http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding/Index.aspx?
intSaleID=27520&lid=1) on 14 November 2017 at Christie’s in
London

It can be confusing to discover two seemingly similar items priced

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 6/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

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.

(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-formose-vase-no-934-designed-1924-6108512-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intobjectid=6108512&sid=cfea833a-cf13-4da8-bdeb-6a521dfc2b07)

A Formose vase, no. 934, designed 1924 (http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-formose-

v
vase-no-934-designed-1924-6108512-details.aspx?
from=salesummery&intobjectid=6108512&sid=cfea833a-cf13-4da8-bdeb-6a521dfc2b07). 6½
in (16.5 cm) high. Estimate: £5,000-8,000. This lot is offered in Lalique
(http://www.christies.com/SaleLanding/Index.aspx?intSaleID=27520&lid=1) on 14 November
2017 at Christie’s in London

Cased pieces — consisting of two or more fused layers of glass, rather

than a single layer, such as the red Formose vase above — 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 — all of which
can impact on value.

5 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.  

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 7/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

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.

6 at is the signi cance of age?

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 R  in 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.

7 at is alexandrite glass?

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 8/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=6068328)

A Tortues vase, no. 966, designed 1926. 10¾ in (27.3 cm)

high. Sold for £45,000 on 16 May 2017 at Christie’s in London

(http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?
intObjectID=6068327)

A Graines vase, no. 1042, designed 1930. 8 in (20 cm)

high. Sold for £2,000 on 16 May 2017 at Christie’s in London

Alexandrite refers to the colour of the glass. It is dichroic — showing

different colours when viewed from different directions. Under
natural light the glass of the Tortues and Graines vases above appears
to be an olive-grey colour. However, when illuminated under electric
light — or photographed in a studio setting, as here — they appear to
have a peach tone. 

Recommended lots

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 9/12
 7. 11. 2017
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-opal-
and-enamel-brooch-6091541-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091541)
AN ART NOUVEAU OPAL AND ENAMEL BROOCH,
BY RENÉ...
Estimate CHF 90,000 - CHF 130,000
(USD 90,069 - USD 130,100)
Lot 1 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-opal-
and-enamel-brooch-6091541-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091541)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/An-
Art-Nouveau-Opal-And-Enamel-Brooch-6091541-
Details.Aspx?
Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091541)
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-and-diamond-bracelet-6091544-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091544)
AN ART NOUVEAU ENAMEL AND DIAMOND
BRACELET, BY...
Estimate CHF 25,000 - CHF 35,000
(USD 25,019 - USD 35,027)
Lot 4 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-and-diamond-bracelet-6091544-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091544)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/An-
Art-Nouveau-Enamel-And-Diamond-Bracelet-
6091544-Details.Aspx?
Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091544)
http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx
René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-and-pearl-lavalliere-6091542-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091542)
AN ART NOUVEAU ENAMEL AND PEARL
LAVALLIÈRE ...
Estimate CHF 45,000 - CHF 65,000
(USD 45,034 - USD 65,050)
Lot 2 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-and-pearl-lavalliere-6091542-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091542)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/An-
Art-Nouveau-Enamel-And-Pearl-Lavalliere-6091542-
Details.Aspx?
Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091542)
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-band-ring-by-6091545-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091545)
AN ART NOUVEAU ENAMEL BAND RING, BY RENÉ
LALIQUE
Estimate CHF 3,500 - CHF 5,000
(USD 3,503 - USD 5,004)
Lot 5 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-
enamel-band-ring-by-6091545-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091545)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/An-
Art-Nouveau-Enamel-Band-Ring-By-6091545-
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/a-suite-of-enamel-
autumn-jewellery-by-6091543-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091543)
A SUITE OF ENAMEL AUTUMN JEWELLERY, BY
RENÉ...
Estimate CHF 35,000 - CHF 45,000
(USD 35,027 - USD 45,034)
Lot 3 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/a-suite-of-enamel-
autumn-jewellery-by-6091543-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091543)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/A-
Suite-Of-Enamel-Autumn-Jewellery-By-6091543-
Details.Aspx?
Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091543)
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-opal-
and-enamel-ring-6091546-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091546)
AN ART NOUVEAU OPAL AND ENAMEL RING, BY
RENÉ...
Estimate CHF 3,000 - CHF 3,500
(USD 3,002 - USD 3,503)
Lot 6 | Sale 15697
(http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Jewelry/an-art-nouveau-opal-
and-enamel-ring-6091546-details.aspx?
lid=1&from=relatedlot&intobjectid=6091546)
View Lot
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Lotfinder/Jewelry/An-
Art-Nouveau-Opal-And-Enamel-Ring-6091546-
10/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

Details.Aspx? Details.Aspx?
Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091545) Lid=1&From=Relatedlot&Intobjectid=6091546)

View all

Related auctions

Lalique

LONDON
14 NOVEMBER 2017

(http://www.christies.com/salelanding/index.aspx?
intsaleid=27520)

Browse Sale
(Http://Www.Christies.Com/Salelanding/Index.Aspx?
Intsaleid=27520)

You may also like

Related content

Collecting guide: Art Nouveau y Chinese archaic bronzes

jewellery ‘take your imagination to
An appraisal of the movement from our another place’
panel of experts, illustrated with superb Specialist Kate Hunt tours the collection
pieces from the largest collection of Ar... of archaic bronzes at Compton Verney —
(http://www.christies.com/features/Art-Nouveau-jewels- coming to King Street in November
collecting-guide-8546-1.aspx)
(http://www.christies.com/features/What-bronze-ritual-
vessels-meant-to-the-ancient-Chinese-8627-3.aspx)

5 minutes with... A William 100 art-world Instagram accounts

Mathie mirror to follow right now —
Peter Horwood, Christie’s Director of Tastemakers
English Furniture, on an 18th-century From writers and art historians to
mirror adorned with monkeys and publishers, entrepreneurs and designers
mythical bi... — the individuals whose posts are
(http://www.christies.com/features/5-minutes-with-a- helping to...
William-Mathie-mirror-8637-1.aspx)
(http://www.christies.com/features/Top-100-Art-World-
Instagrams-Tastemakers-8485-1.aspx)

Related Department

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 11/12
7. 11. 2017 René Lalique glassware: Collecting Guide | Christie's

European Ceramics, Glass & Chines… Design (Http://Www.Christies.Com…

Related artists

Lalique (Http://Artist.Christies.Co… René Lalique (Http://Artist.Christi…

ABOUT US RELATED COMPANIES MORE How to Buy

Locations (/locations/)
Press
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/press-archive/)
Corporate Social Responsibility
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/corporate-social-
responsibility/?sc_lang=en)
Strategic Partnerships
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/strategic-partnerships)
Careers
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/welcome-to-christies/job-
opportunities/?sc_lang=en)
Corporate Entities
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/corporate-entities/)
Christie’s Education
(http://www.christies.edu/)
Christie’s Fine Art Storage
(http://www.cfass.com/)
Christie’s International Real
Estate
(http://www.christiesrealestate.com/)
Collectrium
(http://www.collectrium.com)
(/features/guides/buying
Contact (/about- guide/buying-at-
us/contact/client-services/) christies/introduction/)
Help (/about-us/help/)
Site Map
How to Sell
(http://www.christies.com/about-
(http://www.christies.co
us/contact/sitemap/?sc_lang=en) guide/selling-at-
christies/introduction/)
Privacy
(http://www.christies.com/about-
us/contact/privacy/)
Christie’s Services
(http://www.christies.co
Security
(http://www.christies.com/about-
sc_lang=en)
us/contact/security/?sc_lang=en)
Terms & Conditions Private Sales
(http://www.christies.com/about- (http://www.christies.co
us/contact/terms-and-
conditions/)
section)
Modern Slavery Statement
(/media-
library/pdfs/2017/modern-
slavery-act-statement-june-
2017.ashx)

© CHRISTIE’S 2017

http://www.christies.com/features/Lalique-Collecting-Guide-8232-1.aspx 12/12