Val Saint Lambert - Charles Graffart - Vase - Unterzeichnet und katalogisiert. - Kristall - Roubenne

Val Saint Lambert “Roubenne” – Cobalt Crystal Soliflore Vase

Belgium, 1940s–1950s
Handcrafted two-tone crystal

No reserve price

An exceptionally elegant soliflore vase by Val Saint Lambert, model Roubenne, dating from the 1940s–1950s. Designed specifically to hold a single flower or a very small arrangement, the vase is distinguished by its remarkably slender, elongated silhouette and beautifully balanced proportions.

The piece is executed in two-tone crystal, combining brilliant clear crystal with a rich cobalt blue body. Cobalt is one of the most striking colours associated with Val Saint Lambert: depending on the light, it shifts from an intense deep blue along the edges to luminous azure tones through the thinner areas of the crystal. The contrast with the colourless foot further emphasises the lightness and verticality of the design.

The long, gently tapering body rises from a rounded lower section to a narrow opening, creating an almost sculptural profile. Its restrained form reflects the transition from the elegance of late Art Deco towards the cleaner, more modern aesthetic that characterised European decorative arts in the post-war period.

Entirely handcrafted in crystal, the vase beautifully demonstrates Val Saint Lambert’s mastery of colour, proportion and traditional glassmaking techniques. Despite its apparent delicacy, the substantial crystal base gives the piece a strong visual presence and stability.

The vase is preserved in very good vintage condition and bears an engraved Val Saint Lambert signature on the underside, confirming its authenticity. The model is also documented in the Val Saint Lambert catalogue under the name “Roubenne”, where it appears as a flower vase, providing an additional important reference for its identification.

A refined and unusually graceful example of Belgian crystal, particularly attractive in this rare cobalt blue colourway, and equally compelling displayed empty as a sculptural object or with a single flower.


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 carefully packaged, well protected and insured