René Lalique “Bammako” Vase c1934 – Marcilhac 1088

Description

Heading : René Lalique “Bammako” vase 
Date : c1934
Origin : Combs-la-Ville. France
Colour : Opalescent 
Bowl : Slightly flared rim. seven tiers of refractive bubbles moulded on the outside of vase. The refractive effect is quite stunning. giving the bubbles an appearance reminiscent of berries. Stencilled “R Lalique France” mark to base.
Glass Type : Lalique demi-cristal 
Size : 18.1cm height. 16.6cm diameter bowl. 7.4cm diameter foot
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks – some wear to the base commensurate with age.
Restoration : None
Weight :  2200 grams

Eric Knowles Comments

Although Rene Lalique is celebrated as  France’s premier jeweller working in the Art Nouveau style between about 1885 and 1905 it is far more difficult  to describe him a France’s premier Art Deco glass designer and maker if only because his output was so diverse in style and application.

However many of the designs post 1930 show a distinct change of approach that favour stronger geometric elements  applied to often heavier forms.

So enter this Bammako vase introduced in 1934 and  featuring regular graduated bands of cabochons within narrow serrated  surrounds.

Its closest cousin being ‘Mossi’ a similar vase introduced previously in 1933 but using a smaller near cylindrical form. whilst as can be seen the choice of a larger flared shape reflects a more dynamic appearance

The use of opalescence amplifies the overall effect of Lalique’s acute understanding of the refractive qualities of the graduated cabochons.

The base shows the signs of correct wear which partially obscures the stencilled mark R Lalique whilst the top rim is entirely clear but any suggestion of recent polishing is nullified by the fact that the vase measures the standard 18.5cm.

As with all Lalique glass and especially opalescent display is all important with this vase offering its best appearance against a black background with a concentrated down light.