A Rene Lalique Frise Aigles vase was among the stars of Bonhams' sale dedicated to the French glass designer on June 12.

One of just three extant versions of the design, it sold for £43,250, 517.8% above its £7,000 high estimate, a testament to the popularity of Lalique and the value of rarity among collectors.

Better than Lalique? An 1880 stoneware bed warmer

The early 1911 work is unique in its colouration, having been overlaid with red and black enamel on polished clear glass.

The other two examples, one in black, the other in green, currently reside in private collections, but both owners could be tempted to sell after witnessing this result.

Meanwhile, a 1929 black glass Lalique vase, Montargis, sold for £44,450.

The world-renowned artist (1860-1945) started his career as a jewellery designer, before gravitating towards glass from the 1920s onwards. It is his glassware that is now the biggest draw for collectors, with perfume bottles and vases leading the way. A Lalique Cire Perdue vase sold for $180,000 in March.

The Colours of Rene Lalique and Design from 1860 sale in London also featured works by several other top designers.

In fact Lalique was bettered at his own auction; the top lot of the day went to an 1880 stoneware bed warmer in the shape of a tortoise, made by popular London potter Robert Wallace Martin.

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