René Lalique Perche No. 1158 Opalescent Car Mascot

Description A René Lalique Perche No. 1158 car mascot in opalescent glass, introduced as part of Lalique’s original radiator mascot series during the late 1920s. Modelled as a naturalistic perch fish emerging forward in motion, the design reflects René Lalique’s interest in combining movement drawn from nature with the emerging modernity of early motoring design. The mascot retains its original characteristic opalescent finish, allowing light to pass through the glass and highlight the finely moulded scales and flowing form of the fish. The mascot is wheel cut signed R. Lalique beneath the body and corresponds to model No. 1158, first introduced circa 1929 within the original Lalique catalogue of automobile mascots. René Lalique car mascots were designed to mount directly onto a motor car radiator cap, serving both as ornament and illumination. When fitted to the original illuminated mounts used during the period, light projected upward through the glass, enhancing the sculptural form during night driving. The Perche mascot was produced in three documented variations within the Lalique catalogue, including opalescent glass, clear glass, and a coloured example, amber, each press moulded before finishing and signature cutting. A recognised model from the original René Lalique car mascot series, combining Art Deco design with the innovation and optimism of early twentieth century motoring. Sold in perfect condition without any damage or restoration. View the full Rene Lalique Car Mascots Collection. The Perche No. 1158 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 503 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. 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