René Lalique (1860-1945) Vase 'Silènes'

About this piece

This special vase 'Silènes' by René Lalique, is a design from 1938. He has combined his love for nature and mythology in this vase. The flared vase has a large frieze with leaves and branches with the heads of the Silènes, all in relief. The vase is partly polished and satin finished and raised with the original grey patina.

The Silenes were mythical creatures named after Silenus, the son of the goddess Gaya and the god Pan. Silenus was also Dionysus his tutor. They made music, danced, drank wine and were often found with the nymphs. In addition, they were also known for their great wisdom, prophecy and knowledge of the Mysteries.

The vase is signed with 'R. Lalique, France' on the bottom. The vase is pressed into the mold and has mold number 10.923.

Biography:
René Lalique (1860-1945) was active as an apprentice jeweller at age 16. After been 2 years in England as an apprentice, he started his own business ,in 1880, as a jewellery designer. He soon became a success, especially after he participated at the Universal Exhibition of 1900 in Paris. Thereafter his name was definitively established.

From 1890 he was also very interested in glass. He adapted glass in his designs. He soon expanded his work with the proper tools and equipment, and also increased his knowledge, especially in the field of colouring and moulds. In 1905 he received orders from François Coty to design various perfume bottles, he experimented with new styles and techniques. During that time he started to work with moulds and pressed glass. In 1912 he started his second career as a master glass artist. He once said that he would create something so special that's not been seen before. Which he certainly succeeded.

He then made except small glass objects such as jewellery and perfume bottles, major works as vases, lamps, tableware, clocks, car mascots, but also architectural glass applications such as door handles, wall panels etc.

After WWI, the French government offered him for not much money a factory in the Alsace, the Alsace was French again. He built a new glass factory in Wingen-sur-Moder where he produced most of his pressed glass vases. Mid 1930's he closed his factory in Paris and everything was produced in Wingen-sur-Moder, till now. After his death in 1945, his family continued the company.

He is seen as one of the largest glass artists in the world. His work is admired worldwide in museums, there are also several museums that are only dedicated to René Lalique, such as Lalique Museum Doesburg in the Netherlands and of course Musée Lalique in Wingen-sur-Moder, France, but also in Hakone (Japan) and many other places.

Literature:
- Félix Marcilhac, ‘R. Lalique, Catalogue raisonné de l’oeuvre de verre’, Les Éditions de l’Amateur, Paris 2011, p. 469.
- Christopher Vane Percy; 'The glass of Lalique, a collectors guide', Studio Vista, Cassell & Collier Macmillan Publishers Ltd, London, 1977.
- Philippe Olland; 'Dictionnaire des Maîtres Verriers de l'Art Nouveau á l'Art Déco, Marques & signatures'. Éditions Faton 2016. P. 192-199.
- Victor Arwas, 'Glass, Art Nouveau to Art Deco'. Academy Editions London 1987. P. 179-193.

Condition

Excellent