René Lalique (1860 - 1945)

cast glass, the shoulders modelled with eight entangled serpents, the details stained in sepia

A pencil sketch for this piece is reproduced, Felix Marcilhac, René Lalique, maître verrier, analyse de l'oeuvre et catalogue raisonné, Paris 1989, p.984.

A strongly modelled and sculptural vase. There has been some restoration to three snake's heads. This has been professionally executed and so the condition beneath the restoration cannot be determined. It is therefore not clear whether it is covering manufacturing flaws or subsequent damage. Nevertheless, this is a rare and striking model. The restoration to the snakes' heads is more fully detailed below and the images referred to are available on request. Pair One: The left hand (upper) head has a bruise type mark to the right hand `spur' on its head The right hand (lower) head has a replacement tip tot he left hand `spur'. This piece is approx 1cm. by 0.5cm. in size. (Image ref. 5523 and 5519) Pair Two: The right hand (lower) head from just behind the eyes has been replaced. This area is approximately 3cm. by 5cm. in total. (Image ref. 5515 and 5520) Pair Three: The right hand (upper) snake's head has been entirely replaced. The maximum depth of the replacement is approx. 1.5cm. (Image refs. 5516, 5517 and 5518) Pair Four: Are in good condition (Image ref 5527) There is a horizontal mark visible around the shoulder and the most pronounced part of this is shown in image ref 5529. The voids behind the snakes' heads has been filled with a type of resin as can be seen in image ref. 5530. The underside of the foot shows typical signs of wear as can be seen in image ref 5531. There is a tiny nick to the glass on the centre of the conjoined coils between pairs two and three, this is approx 0.5cm. long. There are typical bubble inclusions within the glass. The sepia staining is of a richer, redder tone than the catalogue illustration suggests although this is perhaps not as strong as it appears in the attached images. The restorer has replicated the staining on the restored areas which have been modelled from a resin like material.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Reptiles were a source of inspriation to Lalique throughout his life and they appear in some of his most spectacular creations such as the gold and enamel pectoral in the Gulbenkian Museum.  The motif also appears in bronze and even an evening handbag embroidered in silver thread on silk and with silver mounts cast as opposing snakes. (See Vivienne Becker, The Jewellery of René Lalique', London, 1987, Plate 102.)

In cire perdue, other pieces from this period include several vases: `Quatre Serpents', (CP 76, 79 and 88)`Quatre Serpents et Grenouilles' (CP  89) and a plafonnier, `Quatre Grouped de Deux Serpents' (CP89).  This piece is remarkable in the depth of the relief decoration which would have been very difficult to achieve using this technique.