Frosted and Clear Crystal Bison Figural Paperweight from Lalique, 1970s

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Moulded in frosted and polished crystal, this compact sculpture depicts a North American bison with its massive horned head lowered … Read more Moulded in frosted and polished crystal, this compact sculpture depicts a North American bison with its massive horned head lowered forward. Lalique’s signature combination of satin-frosted relief and smooth clarity defines the subject, creating an appealing contrast across the body. The thick, matted coat over the shoulders and neck features deep, wavy relief texturing, transitioning neatly into the smooth contours of the rear flanks and legs. The animal is integrated seamlessly onto a solid, clear crystal rectangular plinth. The base has clean, straight lines with crisp polished edges, anchoring the heavy glass figure and providing stability for desk or cabinet display. Light passing through the transparent pedestal reflects upward into the frosted animal above, catching the ridges of the carved facial features, short horns, and bearded chin. This model reinterprets an earlier René Lalique design, reissued by the Cristallerie Lalique in 1978. The top bevelled edge of the base is inscribed with the diamond-point script mark reading 'Lalique France', characteristic of modern Lalique commercial crystal production. In terms of size, the figure measures 3 1/4 inches (8.3 cm) in height and 4 3/4 inches (12.1 cm) in length, with an overall weight exceeding 1 lb (0.45 kg). The piece serves equally well as a functional paperweight or a decorative art glass figurine. Both the frosted body and the clear rectangular plinth show well-preserved surfaces, with the moulded details remaining crisp and free from any noted chips, cracks, or surface bruising. See less