Rene Lalique Opalescent Oleron Vase Designed 1927 Marcilhac 1008

Heading : R.Lalique Oleron glass vase
Date : Designed 1927
Period : Interwar
Origin : Wingen-sur-Moder. France
Colour : Opalescemnt
Marks : Incised R Lalique France No1008 on the foot string
Body : Globular form with sardine type fish. Short tapered lip
Pontil : Polished
Glass Type : Lalique demi-cristal
Size : 8.9cm tall and approximately 9.5cm in diameter
Condition : Very fine
Restoration : None
Weight : 277 grams

1927 was a monumental year for transatlantic travel. Charles Lindbergh completed the first ever transatlantic flight arriving in Paris on the 21st of May and René Lalique was part of the team that designed the extraordinary transatlantic liner Île de France which served as a floating example of all that was great about French decorative art at the time. This vase was designed in the same year and is further testament to the incredible talents of French designers. Fish were a common feature of Lalique’s designs and this piece is notable for their realism and the fact that they cover the entire vase forming the shape of the vase as well as serving as decoration. Sardines do form ball shaped schools.

For further examples:

The Art of Rene Lalique by Patricia Bayer and Mark Waller Pg. 146 Pl. 261

Eric Knowles Comments

Fish have always played an important role in Lalique’s repertoire and Oleron has always proved to be a popular choice amongst discerning collectors when offered in my auctions many years past and no doubt likewise today. The vase is simply alive with a melee of sardine type fish busy going nowhere