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René Lalique Lady's Slipper Orchid Ring
Dating from 1900-1902, this Art Nouveau orchidée or orchid ring by René Lalique is composed of enamel and 18K gold. It is designed as a lady's slipper orchid realized in shades and gradations of golden, brown and gray basse taille enamel on the flower and around the shank, highlighted by a pear and cushion shape synthetic ruby, the reverse chased and engraved in low relief. An intriguing Lalique design of substantial size, enameled throughout, this blossom envelops the finger while maintaining its sculptural quality.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item #: YR-21575
Artist: René Lalique
Country: France
Circa: 1900-1902
Size: 5.5 (this ring can be sized; please contact the gallery for further information)
Materials: 1 pear-shape synthetic ruby; 1 cushion-shape synthetic ruby; 18K Gold; Enamel
Signed: LALIQUE; Maker's mark
Literature: S. Barten, René Lalique: Schmuck und Objets d’Art, 1890-1910, Munich, Prestal-Verlag, 1977, p. 259, ill. 412 for the drawing of a similar motif, as a link for a chain
V. Becker, The Jewellery of René Lalique, London, The Goldsmiths' Company, 1987, p. 99, ill. 82 for a brooch and a pair of earrings of similar design
Orchids were a relatively unusual subject for Lalique's art, comprising only a hand full of known jewels and sketches in the catalogue raisonné, perhaps reflecting the species' rare blossoming in France, where it is much sought after but rarely seen. Compared to other jewelry forms, Lalique made few rings, and the size and condition of this one is remarkable.