René Lalique

clear and partially frosted glass, applied with two cicadas, their bodies modelled in high relief, carved and heightened with black

Galerie Moderne, London

Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique 1860-1945. catalogue raisonné, Paris, 2004, p. 408, ref. I

An extraordinary vase in good overall condition. The black staining is even, though it is partially rubbed, consistent with age. The interior with some dust and staining. A couple of air bubbles to the body. The underside with a police protection label, which we have not removed, and which does not obscure the signature. The signature with a double tail to the 'q'. Some light scratching to the underside again consistent with age. An exceptionally rare and well executed early piece using one of the glass master's most iconic motifs. Ready for display.
"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."

Lalique's 'Deux Cigales' belongs to a select group of vases which Felix Marcilhac catalogues as 'Pièces hors classification non référencées' (op. cit. p. 406). They are described as "pièces uniques" and, although they were originally intended to be produced to recoup the cost of research and manufacture, none were put into later production. A vase of this design, perhaps the present lot, is shown in a contemporary photograph (op. cit. p. 408). Although conceivably made in extremely limited number, at the time of writing no other example has been found in either a public or private collection.

The majority of pieces in this small group, including the present lot, are exceptionally early and date to before 1912, pre-dating by many years the mass-produced later works for which Lalique gained international recognition. Each of these early pieces was exhibited during their year of execution at the Salons des Artistes français or the Artistes décorateurs. Perhaps unsurprisingly, three vases from the group were immediately purchased by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (op. cit. p. 406 ref. B, p. 407 ref. E and F). A smaller vase from the group, modelled with frogs amongst lilies, was sold: Christie's New York, 18 December 2006, lot 415. It is rare to find a vase from this small group offered for sale.