Rene Lalique Sirene No. 831 Opalescent Car Mascot

Description This Rene Lalique Sirene No. 831 Opalescent Car Mascot dates to the early twentieth century, circa 1920. The mascot from the original series by Rene Lalique is modelled as a siren or mermaid listening to a shell held against her ear. The figure is presented in an opalescent finish which highlights the sculptural modelling and flowing form of the design. The mascot is signed in moulded relief R. Lalique to the lower section of the figure and further wheel cut to the base with the engraved signature R. Lalique France. Originally designed to be mounted on a motor car radiator cap, Rene Lalique car mascots were illuminated from below by a small electric bulb within the radiator mount. When lit, the glass would glow softly as the vehicle moved, creating the distinctive effect associated with Lalique mascots of the period. The Sirene No. 831 is one of the early designs from the original Rene Lalique car mascot series. View the full Rene Lalique Car Mascots Collection. The Sirene No. 831 forms part of the original René Lalique car mascot series produced during the 1920s and early 1930s, a celebrated group of radiator mascots including models such as Victoire, Longchamp, Cinq Chevaux, Epsom and Comète. These designs represent Lalique’s contribution to early luxury motoring accessories during the Art Deco period. Literature The Exceptional Collection Mark Goodger Antiques 36-37 Félix Marcilhac book René Lalique maître-verrier Page 497 René Lalique (1860-1945) Master of French Glass, Art Deco Sculpture and Luxury Car Mascots René Jules Lalique was one of the most influential designers of the late 19th and early 20th century, celebrated for his pioneering work in Art Nouveau jewellery and later for his groundbreaking Art Deco glass creations. Trained in Paris and London, Lalique designed for leading houses such as Cartier and Boucheron before establishing his own studio, where he transformed the world of decorative arts with his use of glass, enamel, horn and sculptural forms inspired by nature and Japanese design. By the 1920s, Lalique had become internationally renowned for his glasswork, moving beyond perfume bottles and vases to design what would become some of the most coveted symbols of early automotive luxury, his car mascots (radiator hood ornaments). Produced between 1925 and 1931, these mascots, including iconic models such as Victoire, Tête de Coq, Chrysis, Comète and Longchamp, were designed as sculptural glass figures mounted on the radiators of prestige automobiles such as Delage, Hispano-Suiza, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. These mascots were made in pressed crystal and illuminated from beneath giving them an ethereal glow, a true fusion of fine art and motoring history. Lalique’s legacy was continued by his son Marc Lalique, who transitioned the company from glass to crystal production, securing Lalique’s place as a leading name in French luxury manufacturing. His works are now held in major museum collections worldwide including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For collectors, a Lalique piece whether a glass mascot, vase or sculptural object represents more than decorative art. It embodies the golden age of French luxury design, where craftsmanship, innovation and modern engineering met in perfect harmony. For further information on René Lalique and his famous Car Mascots please see our articles René Lalique Art Deco Car Mascots Makers and Retailers René Lalique René Lalique car mascots remain one of the most studied areas of Art Deco glass design, with original period examples held in major museum collections and long established private collections worldwide. Authentic mascots retaining correct mounts, signatures and surface finish are increasingly sought after by collectors of early motoring and Lalique glass. Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.