A Rare 1924 ‘King Fouad I’ Box by René Lalique

From Paris to Cairo: René Lalique’s ‘Fouad I’ Box and Its Royal Legacy

A rare and historically significant creation by the preeminent French glass artist René Lalique, this exquisite box and cover, designed in 1924, exemplifies the fusion of artistic mastery and regal symbolism. Fashioned in clear and frosted glass, the piece is adorned with a finely moulded relief of winged solar discs, a motif evocative of ancient Egyptian iconography and celestial divinity. The subtle sepia staining enhances the intricate detailing, imbuing the composition with depth and an ethereal luminosity.

The frosted lid bears a distinguished engraving of King Fouad I of Egypt, his state portrait rendered with remarkable precision, underscoring both his sovereign authority and the modern aspirations of his reign. A dedication inscribed on the base—”Offert par Fakhry Pacha à Paris le 9 Octobre 1924″—further contextualizes the piece within the realm of diplomatic and ceremonial gifting, situating it as a testament to cross-cultural exchange and early 20th-century Franco-Egyptian relations.

Signed ‘R. LALIQUE’ to the lid, this refined objet d’art reflects Lalique’s unparalleled ability to harmonize material innovation with historical reverence. This box stands as an exceptional example of early 20th-century glasswork, where the aesthetic ideals of Art Deco converge with the grandeur of Egyptian heritage.

Now regarded as one of the finest expressions of Lalique’s oeuvre, this box not only embodies the technical virtuosity of its maker but also serves as an enduring artifact of royal patronage and artistic diplomacy.

Provenance
Lot 39, Lalique, Christie’s, 12 May 1998
Private collection
Bequeathed to the present owner in 2020
Private Collection, UK
Solomon Treasure, NY

Literature:
Pietri, François, ‘L’arc de triomphe pharaonique du roi Fouad Ier au soldat de France’
in ENiM 17, 2024, p. 161-170
Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique 1860-1945: Maître-Verrier Analyse de L’Œuvre et
Catalogue Raisonné, Paris, 1989, cat. no. 55

2″ high x 4″ wide x 4″ deep

Very good condition, no damages noted.