DESCRIPTION

Experience the poetry of nature through Han Meilin’s creations for Lalique, uniting Chinese tradition with French refinement.

Han Meilin and Lalique present “ Yuan-Yuan ” and “ Meng-Meng ”. From these two pandas, with their rounded and mischievous figures, emanate a sense of tenderness. He captures a moment of life in the wild, a grooming gesture or a frolic on the ground. His gaze is open, the eyes soft and sparkling. The newborn from the Lalique crystal factory, Yuan-Yuan and Meng-Meng, a seated male and a prone female, are both products of Han Meilin’s fertile imagination.

A fragile species, mentioned in ancient Chinese texts 3000 years ago, the panda reigns majestically over Han Meilin’s artistic repertoire. In addition to an ink drawing that served as an effigy for a stamp issued in China, the artist has no fewer than twelve young specimens in his bestiary – sculpted, lying down or seated. In 2019, the savoir-faire of Lalique’s artisans, enabled him to fashion two of his beasts in pure crystal. Offered as diplomatic gifts in token of friendship since the Tang dynasty, the panda is the ultimate symbol of the bonds that link China and France.

Born in China in 1936 in the province of Shandong, Han Meilin is a true all-rounder who has pursued his vocation with passion for more than 60 years. This complete master artist also teaches painting, calligraphy, ceramics and the history of the visual arts. From the very beginning, Han Meilin has drawn his inspiration from the traditions and folklore of his native country, which pays homage to him on “Han Meilin Day”, inaugurated on 21 December 2013. Creator of the mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Han Meilin has exhibited his calligraphy and sculpture all over the world. He has received multiple honours, including being appointed a UNESCO Artist of Peace in 2015, becoming the first Chinese artist to get this recognition. “Artists need to take care of the world” - Han Meilin

Lalique today is considered the jewel in the crown of the French glass and crystal industry since 1888 – a byword for excellence, a reputation earned through creating extraordinary pieces in crystal glass in its myriad variations. It is not for nothing that Lalique is also referred to as the ‘haute couture’ of crystal. Since 1922, every Lalique piece has been produced at their only factory, the Verrerie d'Alsace glassworks at Wingen-sur Moder, Alsace, in a French region with a strong historical glassmaking tradition.

This piece is brand new, sourced directly from Lalique, and bears the Lalique signature at its base, guaranteeing authenticity. We are the only authorised boutique in Sydney, Australia, where you can visit and select your Lalique pieces in person.

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DETAILS

Brand: Lalique

Reference: 89010102

Weight (kg):  1.6

Height (cm): 12

Width (cm): 9.4

Length(cm): 10.2

Designer: Han Meilin

Limited series: 888 pieces, piece delivered with a certificate of authenticity mentioning its number