Christies,
New York will offer a exemplary collection of works by René
Lalique—the most distinguished French artist working in
glass through the first four decades of the 20th century.
The sale takes place on 10 February 2006, 10:00 am at
20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
"The French have an evocative phrase to describe the media
of artistic glass and ceramics. The term ‘les arts du feu’ effectively
conjures the image of works born in the heat and fury of the
furnace, the exacting, time-sensitive processes that—a
kind of alchemy—turn the base materials sand and clay into
magical artefacts.
Pictured right: Grenouilles
et Nénuphars, A Molded and Applied Glass Vase, model
introduced 1912, Marcilhac p. 408-H, 8 3/16 in. (20.8 cm.) high
Estimate: $300,000-400,000
René Lalique came to prominence as a creator of superb
Art Nouveau jewels. His work was characterised by an exceptional
graphic refinement and by a readiness to experiment in the mix
and contrast of so-called precious and non-precious materials.
Lalique
became fascinated by the qualities of cast glass and its close
cousin, enamel. His translucent enamels were exquisite miniature
equivalents of stained glass. Here was the basis for the major
new chapter of Lalique’s artistic career that is celebrated
in the present catalogue of works from the Kajikawi collection.
Pictured left: Branches de Laiteron,
A Cire Perdue Glass Vase, 1914, Marcilhac p. 991, CP 77, 7 7/8
in. (20 cm.) high, Estimate: $220,000-280,000
Through this splendid selection of pieces we can observe Lalique’s
flair in developing motifs drawn from nature, his unique eye
for form and proportion, and the assurance, elegance and sensuousness
of his lines. And we see Lalique’s deep respect for his material,
be it smooth and translucent as clear water, textured like ice,
vivid in jewel-like tints of ruby, emerald or amber, or mysterious
as opal.
Mr. Kajikawi well exemplifies the particular sensitivity of
Japanese collectors and connoisseurs towards the creations of
the greatest French glassmakers of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco
periods. He has enjoyed an engrossing and enlightening journey
of discovery, and has assembled an exemplary collection of works
by René Lalique—the most distinguished French artist
working in glass through the first four decades of the 20th
century.
Now Mr. Kajikawa is ready to see others enjoy the objects that
inspired his passion as a collector.
Christie’s would like to acknowledge the generosity of Ambassador
and Madame de Montferrand, and their staff, in hosting a private
preview of highlights from the Kajikawa Collection in the splendid
environment of the French Embassy in Tokyo, Japan in November
2005."
Philippe Garner, Director of 20th Century Decorative Art &
Photographs, London
For more details visit the Christies
web site.
