• Three early edition Lalanne works
• The first time this Lalanne Oiseau de Jardin model has been offered at auction
• A very rare and complete collection of 31 René Lalique mascots

New York – Bonhams' Modern Decorative Art + Design sale will present works of exceptional design on December 19 in New York.

A highlight of the sale is a complete and rare collection of 31 René Lalique (1860-1945) Mascots, estimated at $800,000 – 1,200,000. Assembled over the past 20 years, this collection is only the third of its kind to come to auction in the last 30 years and includes some of the rarest versions of the models in excellent condition, making it one of the finest of its kind.

Simon Khachadourian, founder of Pullman Gallery, London, who curated the collection, commented, "It is highly unlikely and very improbable that a complete collection can be built again, particularly in this condition. The rarest of the mascots were only produced in very limited quantities and have dried up on the market. This specific collection took over 20 years to curate and has been in existence since 2012."

The most coveted mascot in the collection is the Renard (fox), previously owned by John du Pont (Foxcatcher). Bonhams holds the world auction record for this model which sold for $338,500 in August 2012. Another mascot of note that demonstrates Lalique's talent is Victoire. Commenting in the latest issue of Bonhams Magazine, British expert in Lalique glass, Eric Knowles, remarked how this model "offers the most dramatic expression of speed... forever referred to by collectors, dealers and Lalique enthusiasts alike as the 'Spirit of the Wind'." He goes on to say, "Featuring the head of an open-mouthed Amazon, the sense of drama is heightened by her stylised windswept hair." Read the full story HERE.

The sale also showcases three significant works by François-Xavier Lalanne (1927-2008). These sculptures exemplify Lalanne's renowned approach to blending art and functionality, merging whimsy with craftsmanship. Oiseau de Jardin is edition 8 of 8 from 2004 and is estimated at $500,000 – 700,000. This particular model has never before been offered at auction. Another exceptional example of Lalanne's most iconic model, Mouton de Laine, from 1998 will also be offered. Signed and stamped from the renowned Landowski foundry, it boasts an excellent original patina and will be offered at an estimate of $500,000 – 700,000. Also offered is Rhinocéros III, 1985, which is number 2 of 4 limited editions. This work, with its deep bronze patina and rich earthy tones, is estimated at $300,000 – $500,000.

Writing about this collection in the latest issue of Bonhams Magazine, Adrian Dannatt explains how Lalanne captures "all the pathos, humour and oddity but also the grandiosity and sheer magnificence of this outsize animal marvel." He goes on to describe Lalanne's fascination with the rhinoceros "in its long peregrinations as both an actual animal and throughout the history of culture, from Dürer through Pietro Longhi and Dalí." Read the full story HERE.

Benjamin Walker, Bonhams Head of Modern Decorative Art + Design, commented: "Our December sale brings together not only great names of design, but also pristine examples of some of their most important works. The Lalanne works are particularly exciting, as these examples rarely come up at auction, especially the auction debut of the Oiseau. As with the Lalique mascots – a complete collection of this caliber might never be seen again. The sale features design from various other private collections including ten lots of property from the former home of Sting and Trudie Styler."