Val Saint Lambert - Krug - Kristall - Art Déco

Val Saint Lambert “Étoile” Kristall-Deckel-/Karaffe 1,5 L – Handgeschnittenes Art Déco – Belgischer Kristall, ca. 1930er–1940er Jahre

A refined and generously proportioned crystal pitcher by Val Saint Lambert, hand-crafted in Belgium during the Art Deco period. With a capacity of approximately 1.5 litres, this elegant piece perfectly combines sculptural beauty with everyday functionality, making it equally suitable for serving water, lemonade, cocktails, sangria, or simply as an impressive decorative object.

Entirely mouth-blown, hand-shaped, and hand-cut, the pitcher features the delicate Étoile (“Stars”) cutting pattern, where finely engraved eight-pointed stars shimmer across the crystal surface, creating subtle reflections that come alive in changing light. The restrained decoration enhances the purity of the crystal while giving the piece a timeless elegance.

The graceful pitcher form itself is well documented in Val Saint Lambert catalogues of the Art Deco era, appearing in several different table services. This was a common practice at the manufactory: a successful shape would often be reused with different cutting patterns, allowing the same elegant silhouette to become part of multiple collections. The present example belongs to the charming Étoile variation, distinguished by its refined star-cut decoration.

The crystal remains in excellent antique condition, with no noticeable signs of use. Considering its age of nearly a century, it is remarkably well preserved and was likely used very little, if at all. The crystal retains exceptional clarity and brilliance, while the hand-cut decoration remains crisp and beautifully defined.

Beyond its practical purpose, this pitcher is a wonderful example of Belgian crystal craftsmanship at its finest. Its generous size, elegant proportions, and documented catalogue form make it an attractive piece for collectors of Val Saint Lambert, while its understated Art Deco design allows it to integrate effortlessly into both classic and contemporary interiors. Whether displayed on a dining table, used for entertaining guests, or added to a serious collection of European crystal, it remains a striking and highly usable work of decorative art nearly one hundred years after its creation.

Val Saint Lambert, nestled in Seraing near Liège, Belgium, is a beacon of crystal craftsmanship with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries. Established in 1826 by chemist François Kemlin and engineer Auguste Lelièvre, the company transformed the remnants of the Val-Saint-Lambert Abbey into a thriving glassworks.

The 19th century marked a period of significant growth for Val Saint Lambert. By the early 1900s, the company employed over 5,000 workers, producing 120,000 pieces of glass daily. Their creations, renowned for exceptional quality and intricate designs, found admirers worldwide, including in Tsarist Russia and North America. A testament to their artistry is the “Vase of the Nine Provinces,” a monumental piece over 2 meters tall and weighing 200 kilograms, crafted for the 1894 World Exhibition in Antwerp.

The 20th century brought challenges, including the impacts of two World Wars and economic downturns. Despite these obstacles, Val Saint Lambert’s resilience ensured the preservation of its artisanal heritage. Today, the company seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, producing exquisite crystal pieces that cater to modern aesthetics.

Val Saint Lambert stands as a symbol of Belgian craftsmanship, where each piece reflects a harmonious blend of history, artistry, and innovation.

Will be well packaged, protected and insured