Hood ornament (1) - Lalique - Moineau Moqueur Chanteur - 1940-1950

This Lalique bird figurine was designed by René Lalique, the creator of famous French glassware.

This is a very early post-war example, clearly brighter, with greater depth in the accents. See the last photo for comparison with the later version on the right.

Lalique's designs were strongly influenced by nature and mythological figures, and birds became a favorite subject. This Lalique bird is fashioned as a satin-finished sparrow perched on a small rectangular base. The design dates to 1930 and is titled “Moineau Moqueur Chanteur,” which translates as “Curious Sparrow.” The bird is depicted in an alert pose, with its chin raised and facing right. The sparrow is realistically modeled, with well-defined feathers on its body. Its tail feathers are also raised and fanned out, revealing the plumage underneath.
The bird stands 3.5 inches high from the surface of the display to the tips of its tail feathers, while its body is 4.5 inches long and 2.5 inches at its widest point. The base measures 1.625 x 1.25 inches, and the underside bears an arched-etched signature, “Cristal Lalique France.”
The bird weighs 15.5 oz.

This attractive crystal sparrow figurine is beautifully displayed and would make a great addition to a Lalique collection, or work equally well as a standalone decorative accent.