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1927 Lalique Opalescent Bacchantes Vase
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French Name :
Bacchantes
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Bacchantes - This monumental vase, first shown in the 1927 Paris Exposition, is certainly the most famous vase associated with René Lalique, encapsulating his superb design and glass creating skills. It shows nude dancers in various erotic poses and pairings. The finish of the crusty background is very sculptural and the surface on this incredible creation could almost be mistaken for Cire-Perdue glass. The figures are all highly erotic and Rodinesque. These fabulous vases were produced in clear, grey, coloured and also in the deluxe and exceptionally rare opalescent glass. The piece was continued in production in clear and frosted glass until the present day, but after 1937 the underside of the base was totally flat, as opposed to the earlier 1927-1937 pieces, which all had a predominant concave indentation. The opalescence of this example is a really deep and rich striking blue/white colour. It is further enhanced with the original blue staining, bringing out the beauty of this vase in its most spectacular expression. Etched 'R.Lalique France' and in script 'No. 997' under the base. This fabulous creation is surely the most perfect example for the Lalique perfectionist collector wishing to obtain the ultimate.
Note - The last similar example of this opalescent vase with an identical bronze base sold for GBP £55,200, at Christies, London on November 14th 2002, Lot number 120.
References :
- R.Lalique Catalogue raisonne de l'oeuvre de verre, by Felix Marcilhac, page 438, number 997.
- The Art of Glass by Victor Arwas, Front cover and plate 120, page 87.
- The Art of Lalique by Patricia Bayer, page 154.
- Lalique by Tony Mortimer, Page 83.
- Opalescence, Le Verre Moule Des Annes 1920-1930, by Ph.Decelle, Figure 8.
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First Introduced :
22nd July 1927
Catalogue No. :
997
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Dimensions :
- Vase : 245mm high, 185mm top rim diameter, 131mm foot rim diameter.
- Bronze base : 140mm top diameter, 180mm base foot diameter.
- Height with base total : 320mm high.
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Original Cost :
1,650 French Francs in the 1932 Lalique catalogue.
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Condition :
In absolutely perfect totally original condition. Normally the noses and breasts suffer from chips, as they protrude from the sides of the vase in high relief in three dimensional form, and are extremely prone to damage - they are all pristine on this truly spectacular example. Most of the earlier vases suffer from internal imperfections caused from years of use for flower display. No limescale build-up anywhere inside this fabulous vase, and no chips, imperfections or grinding anywhere. The top and lower rim is usually reduced on most examples of this vase in order to disguise chips, but the top and foot rim on this vase are perfect. Sold complete with an original very fine bronze illuminated base decorated with fern leaves in high relief, wired for use.
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