Bacchus

This vase was pressed moulded with a counter form to create the interior space. The design looks as though a clear glass vessel is inserted into a muff or sleeve, when in reality it is made out of one piece. Lalique had a very well-developed sense of the dialogue between body (corpus) and decor (pattern). The pattern depicts a curved frieze of forest fauns embedded or surrounded with ivy. The latter symbolizes eternal life and immortality because the plant remains evergreen, but also loyalty, attachment and connection because of the clinging way in which it grows. The faun, at the other hand, represents nature and vertility. They are also prophetic spirits who sometimes appear in dreams or visions to offer guidance. They are strongly associated with woodland and pastoral scenes too, and are often depicted playing panflutes, suggesting a love of music and a free-spirited lifestyle. In Roman times, they were considered friendly nature spirits. This image changed in the Middle Ages, and they were sometimes associated with the devil, especially because of their goat legs. A faun should not be confused with a satyr or a centaur. A faun is friendlier, more helpful, more human; a satyr is more animalistic and lustful. Lalique was equally open to both sensations, given his many relationships with women (married or mistresses).