A LALIQUE FROSTED CRYSTAL "BACCHANTES" VASE, MODEL 12200, ENGRAVED SIGNATURE, LATE 20TH CENTURY, of traditional tapering cylindrical form and sides modeled with young dancing nude maidens in deep relief, verso cursive engraved "Lalique France." Height: 9 3/4" Diameter: 8 1/2" Note: The "Bacchantes" vase was originally designed by René Lalique (French 1860-1945) in 1927. One could select in satiné (frosted) with or without tinting as well as opaline and always in glass. In 1947 his son Marc Lalique shifted production from glass to crystal and this included the now iconic "Bacchantes" vase. Currently one can order this model for $4,900 or the larger Bacchantes Grande Vase for a mere $14,000.René Lalique was predominantly influenced by nature as well as the female body. In Greek Mythology the Maenads were equivalent to the Roman Bacchantes, young maiden followers of Bacchus, the god of wine and its cultivation, agriculture and fertility. These young priestesses are often portrayed scantily attired wearing nothing or billowing robes and dancing in a state of religious ecstasy brought on by the drinking of wine. Here Lalique has successfully captured them in soft sensual tones performing a circular dance celebrating their god of wine and all its excesses.