Topic: Question about possible R. Lalique 'Feuilles de Chataignier' Coupe in Topaz

[Mosquito]

Just bought this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220702269647

It was a bit of a speculative purchase, but not too expensive for a nice art deco bowl. I believe the glass is Lalique's 'Feuilles De Chaiatignier' pattern, the design seems to be an exact match, however, I've only seen this design in clear glass and as a deep bowl rather than this flared 'coupe ouverte' shape. Unfortunately I don't have a copy of Marcilhac to check if this is a known variant or not and there's very little information elsewhere on the pattern - none of the books I have which cover Lalique show this design. The only other examples I've found are online, one for sale in Mike Moir's store and an old auction image on the R. Lalique.com site:

http://www.renelaliqueglass.com/phdi/p1.nsf/supppages/2900?opendocument&part=4
http://rlalique.com/Sections/AuctionItems/rene-lalique-auctions.php?Item_Num=1449

I'll add more pics when the bowl arrives. In the meantime if anyone has any more information on this seemingly scarce pattern I'd be very grateful.

Thanks,
Steven

[Mike M]

Hi

Sadly no not Feuilles de Chataigner -Rene Lalique never did a version in this form -or colour -its just a similar pattern alas.

FdC is an elusive pattern and its often not signed, but it was only done as a bowl (shaped like the one one my site) - in 5 sizes -probably only ever done in polished and matt clear - Marcilhac claims it was done in opal too but I've never seen one!

cheers

Mike

[Mosquito]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the info - it's a shame to hear that it's not a known colour/ variant of this pattern, but it remains an interesting piece nonetheless. Looking at the detail and spacing of the leaves, and also the overall proportions I did feel it looked like an exact match (albeit flanged into this open shape), so much so that I was wondering if it could have been a trial piece or a special order. But of course it's hard to tell from the ebay photos and the lack of a mention in Marcilhac would tend to count against this. Still I'm looking forward to it's arrival & will post better pics when it arrives. Even as a copy/ similar design it is of interest as I've never seen another example.

Steven

[Mosquito]

Some more photos... Mould detail appears to be an exact match to the illustrated Lalique examples. The shape is more like a plate with a turned up edge than a coupe overte. It appears to have been pressed as a deep bowl then stuck up and shaped into form when hot. The stems of the central row of leaves are wheel polished - presumably these were the attachment points for the punty.

Colour is a deep smoky topaz.

[Mike M]

Hi

The similarity is amazing -but still I suspect not Lalique -just someone copying the pattern

The fast that the bowl is made up into a more complex piece -handles etc means the maker could avoid being successfully sued by Lalique

There is probably and interesting legal wrangle around this piece that is lost in history!

thanks for posting the extra photos

cheers
Mike