Lalique is a beacon of French opulence in glassmaking and decorative arts, an enduring brand with a history spanning over 130 years and at least three movements in art and design: Art Nouveau, Art Deco and modernism. The firm’s founder, René Lalique, is a celebrated figure in Art Nouveau jewelry, which drew on feminine forms and natural-world themes. Under his masterful leadership, Lalique came to be known for its gorgeous vases, sculptures and glass and crystal serveware.
Rene Laliqué was born in 1860 in Aÿ-en-Champagne, France. As a young man, he apprenticed under Parisian Art Nouveau jeweler Louis Aucoc and studied at L'École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs. Lalique's skill and esteem broadened, and he created jewelry for renowned houses like Cartier and Boucheron. He took over a workshop in Paris in 1885 and opened his own business soon afterward. Not one to follow trends, Lalique gained popularity for his innovative accessories, which merged glass, enamel and ivory — materials that were uncommon in jewelry-making — with semi-precious stones and metals. Lalique’s work gained greater prominence at the 1900 Paris Exhibition, which served as a showcase for his extraordinary designs.
In 1907, Lalique began a revolutionary partnership with French perfumer François Coty. He designed a line of molded glass perfume bottles with frosted surfaces and patterned reliefs. Lalique opened his eponymous glassworks in Combs-La-Ville, Paris, in 1909. His attractive bottles and other pieces were shown at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in 1925 — the event that brought Art Deco to worldwide attention — catapulting Lalique to new levels of fame. Shortly afterward, in 1927, he created one of his most iconic pieces: the Bacchantes vase. A marvel of glassmaking that convincingly depicted movement, the vase displays his technical skills and artistry.
Lalique began receiving high-profile commissions — in 1929, he decorated the luxurious Côte d’Azur Pullman Express carriages, and in 1935, he designed lighting for the Grand Salon and dining room on the ocean liner SS Normandie.
Lalique died in 1945, and the reins at the company were passed to his son, Marc Lalique. The firm continued to produce its signature glass pieces as well as crystal vases, decor and serveware. Marc's daughter, Marie-Claude Lalique, became CEO in 1977. She renewed the traditional jewelry and fragrance side of the business. In 2008, Lalique was acquired by Art & Fragrance, now known as Lalique Group. It remains a well-regarded lifestyle brand underpinned by a rich history in glassmaking.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Lalique decorative objects, lighting, tables and more.
20th Century Frosted Clear Glass Sculpture "Sumatra Elephant" by Lalique
By Lalique
Located in London, GB
This finely sculpted frosted crystal Sumatra Elephant by Lalique captures the quiet strength and gentle movement of the animal in a naturalistic walking pose. The form is smoothly mo...
Glass
20th Century Frosted Glass Sculpture Entitled "Standing Elephant" by Lalique
By Marc Lalique
Located in London, GB
Impressive Mid-20th Century clear and frosted glass figural study of an African elephant with its trunk raised. The surface with fine detail, signed Lalique France Additional information Height: 15 cm Condition: Excellent Condition circa: 1970 Materials: Clear & Frosted Glass About Lalique Glass René Lalique (1860-1945) began his career as a jewellery apprentice at the age of 16, and by 1881 he was a freelance designer for many of the best-known Parisian jewellers. In 1885, he opened his own workshop on Place Gaillon in Paris, the former workshop of Jules Destape. In 1887, Lalique opened a business on Rue du Quatre-Septembre, and registered the "RL" mark the following year. In 1890, he opened a shop in the Opera District of Paris. Within a decade, Lalique was amongst the best-known Parisian jewellers. In 1905, Lalique opened a new shop at Place Vendôme which exhibited not only jewellery, but glass works as well. It was close to the shop of renowned perfumer François Coty; in 1907, Lalique began producing ornate perfume bottles for Coty. The production of glass objects began at his country villa in 1902, and continued there until at least 1912. The first Lalique glassworks opened in 1909 in a rented facility in Combs-la-Ville, which Lalique later purchased in 1913. In December 1912, Lalique hosted an exhibition of Lalique Glass—as his glass would come to be known—at the Place Vendôme shop. During the First World War, the glassworks produced mundane items in support of the war effort. In 1919, work began on a new production facility in Wingen-sur-Moder, which opened in 1921. From 1925-1931, Lalique produced 29 models of hood ornaments; a mermaid statuette first produced in 1920 was also later sold as a hood ornament. During the 1920s and 1930s, Lalique was amongst the world's most renowned glassmakers. René Lalique died in 1945. His son Marc Lalique took over the business, operating initially as "M.Lalique" and later as "Cristal Lalique...
Glass
Contemporary Glass Sculpture entitled "Persepolis Baby Elephant" by Lalique
By Lalique
Located in London, GB
A charming modern persepolis blue crystal glass study of a seated baby elephant with excellent textured surface detail and deep rich colour, signed Lalique France ADDITIONAL INFORM...
Glass
Limited Edition Glass Sculpture entitled "Asian Elephant" by Swarovski
By Swarovski
Located in London, GB
The limited edition “Cinta” Golden Asian Elephant is a striking celebration of form, light, and symbolism. Crafted in warm golden crystal, the sculpture captures the gentle strength ...
Glass
Limited Edition Crystal Frosted Glass "Horse Sculpture" by Lalique Glass
By Lalique
Located in London, GB
A dramatic frosted and clear crystal glass study of a prancing Arab Thorughbred with excellent textured surface detail and wonderful animated movement that serves to capture the spir...
Glass
Limited Edition Coloured Glass Sculpture "African Elephant" by Swarovski
By Swarovski
Located in London, GB
This impressive limited edition Golden African Elephant by Swarovski is a striking fusion of strength, movement, and brilliance. The elephant is captured mid-stride, its trunk raised...
Granite
Daum France Pâte de Verre Frosted Glass Elephant Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Norwood, NJ
Elegant mid-century elephant sculpture by Daum, expertly crafted in pâte de verre—a glass paste casting technique celebrated for its delicate translucency and rich texture. This stun...
Art Glass
Antique Finely Crafted Elephant Porcelain Figurine Art Nouveau
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A naturalistic shaped and fine detailed elephant figurine from the Art Nouve era dating to around 1910. The elephant is marked with a green unidetified manufacturer's mark.
Porcelain
Art Deco Elephant Sculpture in Ceramic, German Design, 1930, Europe
Located in Wiesbaden, DE
Elephant in ceramics Art Deco ceramics refer to ceramic objects produced during the Art Deco era, which was popular in Europe and America during the 1920s and 1930s. These objects a...
Ceramic
Art Glass Elephant Sculpture by Oggetti for Murano Glass
By Oggetti, Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful art glass elephant sculpture by Oggetti for Murano glass, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in very good condition with no chips or cracks (some scratches on the underside) and...
Art Glass
Eight Inch Vintage Lenox Porcelain Happy Elephant Sculpture, 1992
By Lenox's Ceramic Art Company
Located in Warrenton, OR
Eight Inch Vintage Lenox Porcelain Happy Elephant Sculpture, 1992. ***NOTE: Our 1stDibs store is closing end May and items will not be availabl...
Porcelain
Charles LEMANCEAU Art Deco Elephant Sculpture, France 1920
By Charles Lemanceau
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco Ceramic Elephant by Charles Lemanceau, 1920s. Rare French Art Deco glazed black ceramic elephant sculpture designed by Charles Lemanceau for the Faïenceries de Saint...
Ceramic
