Bracelet by René Lalique in the Stunning “Dragonfly” Design

Created around 1902-1903 by René Lalique, this important bracelet depicts “dragonflies among white hawthorn berries” in plique-à-jour and basse taille enamel, carved opal, aquamarines, and 18K gold. It is composed of six shaped links depicting a sunset scene of two paillonné and basse taille enamel dragonflies in the foreground with overlapping, carved opal wings and one with enamel wings, all settled among fields of opalescent plique-à-jour enamel and a meandering branch of aquamarine and cream, tawny, lilac and rose blossoms and pods, the reverse counter-enameled and lightly chased and engraved, mounted in 18K gold with subtle green tones. A rare jewel, this beautiful pictorial bracelet by Lalique is complex, painterly evocation of a plant and insect biome illuminated by hazy summer light, and clearly influenced by the discipline and sensitivity to nature of Japanese art.