Originally designed by René Lalique in the late 1920s, the Perche Poisson (Perch Fish) car mascot is one of the most graceful and symbolically rich pieces in Lalique’s celebrated series of Bouchons de Radiateur (radiator mascots). Inspired by Lalique’s childhood walks along the River Marne near his home village of Ay, this design captures the artist’s lifelong fascination with nature and movement.
Unlike Lalique’s other fish-themed creations, which often depict fish viewed from above, the Perche is rendered in full three-dimensional form, taut, fluid, and purposeful. It is as though swimming forward in harmony with the motion of the automobile upon which it was mounted. In Greek, Ictos means “fish,” and its letters form an acronym for the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God,” a symbol of life and renewal. In Chinese tradition, too, the fish represents vitality and gentle, flowing life. Lalique’s Perche unites these meanings in a luminous form that evokes both strength and serenity.
First appearing in the 1932 Lalique Catalogue, the Perche was listed at 295 francs for the clear glass model and 320 francs for the colored version. Breves of Knightsbridge in London titled the piece simply “Fish” and priced it at £4/4/0 unilluminated or £5/5/5 “for light,” using the patented Breves illuminated mount. A bulb cost 3 shillings, with Duty at 15 shillings. Interestingly, this was the only mascot in Breves literature to list a separate price for colored glass, £6/6/0, presumably as a mounted version. Models were offered in clear (white), opalescent, and amber glass, all press-molded.
Production of Lalique’s car mascots ceased in 1940 due to the war, and René Lalique passed away in 1945. His son, Marc Lalique, later resumed production using the surviving original steel molds, honoring his father’s vision and artistry.
This example, signed “Lalique France” on the base, is a superb post-war crystal edition. It has been carefully preserved in a dark wooden cabinet for decades, remaining free from the amethyst tint that sometimes appears in vintage glass exposed to sunlight. The clarity and flawless preservation of this piece highlight the timeless craftsmanship for which Lalique is renowned.
Approximate measurements:
Length: 6¼ inches (16 cm)
Base diameter: 2.6 inches (6.5 cm)
Height: approximately 4 inches (10 cm)
Condition: Excellent; no discoloration, chips, or cracks
Signature: “Lalique France” on base
With its elegant contours and luminous transparency, the Perche Poisson is a superb example of Lalique’s naturalist aesthetic, akin to his Falcon, Peacock Head, and Wild Boar mascots. A true collector’s piece, it embodies the refinement and artistry of 1920s automotive design and remains a timeless symbol of movement and grace.
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