It is believed that talismans¹⁾ can bring good luck, warn of danger, improve well-being, etc. It is also believed that a talisman that is ill attuned to its owner can pose a serious threat, as can other people's talismans. Any item can be a talisman, from a piece of jewellery to rustic stone, a scrap of tree bark or an animal figurine. Often, precious and semi-precious stones or items made of them serve in this capacity. As talismans, people can use both artefacts (manufactured objects) and genuine objects (e.g. roots, pieces of amber, shells, unusual stones). A talisman can also be a certain character or animal, almost any recognizable character, anthropomorphic or not. The character-mascot (from English mascot - "a person, animal or object, bringing good luck").

In our Photo gallery you may find the thematic photo album "Lucky talismans of René Lalique", in which mascots for car radiators²⁾, made at René Lalique workshop in limited series from 1928 to 1930 are presented.

René Lalique created several themed series of mascots- talismans for various car brands, all of which were a great success. The biography of the jeweller, artisan, goldsmith, silversmith, designer and maestro of artistic glass is in the section “Authors/Producers”.

Either it is believed that a true talisman can be self-made, found, or received as a gift. Only in this case will the talisman have magical powers. In addition, the talisman should have its own story. It is better to receive the talisman as a gift or exchange it for another one. However, just give a talisman, as a gift can be mingy. One prefers to get something in return. Why not another talisman?

¹⁾ Talisman (Greek τέλεσμα "dedication, charms") - a magical object or animal, which assignment, according to superstitious beliefs, is to bring happiness and good luck to its owner.

²⁾ Radiator mascot is an automotive term: an emblem on the radiator or front of the motor hood.