René Lalique Longchamp A 1152a Car Mascot

Description An original René Lalique Longchamp A 1152a car mascot, modelled as a horse’s head and dating to circa 1929. This example displays a rich amethyst hue and is signed in moulded relief R. Lalique France to the lower section. The Longchamp car mascot was created as part of René Lalique’s original radiator mascot series during the 1920s, designed to be mounted to the front of an automobile. When fitted correctly, it would originally have been illuminated from beneath, allowing light to pass through the glass and intensify its sculptural form while in motion. Named after the Hippodrome de Longchamp in the Bois de Boulogne, the design reflects Lalique’s response to the growing culture of motoring and horse racing in early twentieth century France. The Longchamp A is the earlier and rarer version of the two Longchamp models and is commonly referred to as the “double mane” mascot due to the more compact hair arranged in two defined rows. The later Longchamp B 1152b features a single more elongated and flowing mane, making the A version particularly sought after by collectors. The Longchamp A 1152a stands as one of the defining horse head designs within René Lalique’s original car mascot series, combining sculptural clarity with the restrained geometry associated with Art Deco glass. It forms part of a small group of four horse themed mascots produced by Lalique during the golden years of the radiator mascot era. The remaining three are Cinq Chevaux 1122, Longchamp B 1152b, and Epsom 1153, each presenting a different interpretation of the horse within Lalique’s early automotive commissions. Sold in perfect original condition. See more of our Rene Lalique Car Mascots collection here. Literature The Exceptional Collection Mark Goodger Antiques 36-37 Félix Marcilhac book René Lalique maître-verrier Page 502 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 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. 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