Lalique Champs-Elysées Maple Leaf Bowl

This is a fine crystal 'Champs-Elysées' bowl, an iconic piece designed by Marc Lalique in 1951. The bowl is meticulously crafted from clear crystal, featuring a pair of overlapping stylized maple leaves that form the main body. The design is characterized by the sophisticated interplay between frosted and polished crystal surfaces, which highlight the intricate vein patterns and serrated edges of the foliage. The bowl sits on a low, integrated circular foot. Physically, the piece measures approximately 18 inches in length and stands about 7 inches high, though sizes can vary slightly by production period. The craftsmanship is exceptional, demonstrating the high-quality glasswork for which the French firm is renowned. Notable features include the deep ridges of the leaves and the luminous quality of the lead crystal. While no specific maker's mark is visible in the photograph, such pieces are typically signed 'Lalique France' on the underside. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips or cracks, although slight shelf wear or minor scratches on the base are common for pre-owned crystal. This style belongs to the Mid-Century Modern decorative arts period and remains in production today, symbolizing the beauty of the trees lining the famous Parisian avenue.

Based on my visual examination of this Lalique 'Champs-Elysées' Maple Leaf bowl, I find it to be an exceptional example of Marc Lalique’s 1951 design. The piece demonstrates the high-caliber contrast between frosted (satin-finished) and polished surfaces that is synonymous with the French glassmaker’s mastery. At 18 inches in length, this represents the 'Large' model of the design, which carries significantly more market weight than the smaller variations. The condition appears to be 'Fine to Excellent.' The absence of visible chips, flea bites, or internal bruising to the delicate serrated edges of the crystal leaves is a primary value driver. Market demand for this specific pattern remains consistently high as it is considered a cornerstone piece of Mid-Century Modern decorative arts. Comparable sales at auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's, as well as high-end retailers, show values ranging from $1,800 for used examples with base wear to $3,500+ for pristine contemporary production. However, a definitive valuation is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. While the light refraction and vein depth are consistent with genuine lead crystal, full authentication requires a physical inspection to confirm the weight and the presence of the acid-etched 'Lalique France' signature on the base. I would also need to inspect for 'professional polishing,' which can indicate that previous damage was ground down, slightly altering the original silhouette and reducing value. No scientific testing is required, but provenance documentation or an original retail receipt would further solidify the appraisal.