Rene Lalique Suzanne Statuette
Rene Lalique Glass - In a nutshell
Rene Lalique glass is all forms and colors of glassware, designed and manufactured by René Lalique until his death in 1945.
René Lalique (1860-1945) was an artist and designer, first in jewelry then in glass. He attained the highest levels of quality and desirability in both mediums. In the latter stages of his career using the latest innovative glass manufacturing techniques he created pressed glass objects at low cost for the mass market.
After 1945 right up to the present, the Lalique firm continued manufacturing glassware using both R Lalique designs and new designs from the Lalique firm.
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Rene Lalique Calypso Bowl Detail
Rene Lalique Glass - Appeal
Why are the creations of R Lalique so appealing?
They make stunning décor. They are hugely collectable. Collectors are spoiled for choice of direction. Some will focus on jewelry, others car mascots, others vases. Or a particular theme: fish, nudes, etc. and so on. They make a unique statement of taste and style.
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Rene Lalique - The Man
Rene Lalique Glass - Manufacture
A lost wax (cire perdue) technique was used during the early years.
A design was carved in wax, then a clay mold was made around the wax. Once dry the clay was heated and the wax ran out. With the design on the inside of the mold it could be used only once. Molten glass is blown or poured in and when hard the clay mold is picked away. Variations in patina and color were employed in certain pieces.
From the mid twenties art deco period and onwards press molding was used.
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Rene Lalique - Stencilled Mark
Rene Lalique Glass - Marks
Most R Lalique glass makers marks include, 'R', but exceptions occur.
Marks may be molded, wheel cut, engraved, printed or stenciled. (usually marked R. Lalique)
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Rene Lalique Parakeets - REAL
Rene Lalique Glass - Real or Fake?
We only sell genuine examples. But if you shop around, look out for R Lalique marks added to glass objects not resembling Lalique...
Marks are frequently added to glass that is in the style of Lalique. Also be aware of genuine post war Lalique objects manufactured using pre-war Rene Lalique designs. Some copies of high value pieces are also appearing complete with a fake ‘R Lalique’ mark.
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Rene Lalique Tete de Coq - Polished Comb
Rene Lalique Glass - Restoration
Pristine examples are rare, but can be found.
Often, scratches, chips or losses are made good by grinding and polishing. Restored pieces are generally worth less than pristine. However, small areas of polishing are tolerated. Especially if they are indistinguishable from the routine 'post-production-polishing' that would have occurred during the original manufacture of the piece.
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Rene Lalique Dragonfly Box
Rene Lalique Glass - Forms & Functions
Rene Lalique's output was extraordinary. He produced a 'beyond-vast' number of objects in his lifetime.
Below, a small selection of forms are illustrated:
Large-scale architectural objects were also made - such as glass panels, fountains, and doors.
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