The Bacchantes, also known as 'Maenads', were dissolute women who followed Bacchus (Dionysus). This vase is amongst Lalique's most recognized and celebrated works. The design was available in a variety of colors and decorative stands and is still produced today (with a few modifications) by 'Cristal Lalique'. The superb quality of the modeling of the figurines is evidence of Lalique's great talent as a sculptor and their composition signifies the possible influence of Auguste Rodin, with whom he became acquainted at the Paris Exposition of 1900

cf. Felix Marcilhac, R. Lalique, Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre de verre, Les éditions de l'Amateur, Paris, ref. no. 997