Val Saint Lambert - Drinking set for 6 (6) - Service OLIVIER - 60 ml - Crystal - BELLE ÉPOQUE -1904-1905

Antique Hand-Cut Crystal Glasses – Val Saint Lambert, Service Olivier, ca. 1904–1905, 60 ml

An exceptional set of antique crystal glasses crafted by the renowned Belgian crystalworks Val Saint Lambert, from the Service Olivier collection, listed in the official 1904–1905 catalogue.

These glasses are entirely handmade, representing the refined craftsmanship of the Belle Époque era — a time celebrated for its artistic elegance and technical excellence. A distinctive feature of this model is the air bubble encapsulated within the stem, a result of precise glassblowing technique. The exterior of the stem is finely hand-cut, creating graceful optical effects and enhancing the brilliance of the crystal.

The bowl is decorated with deep oval cuts, expertly executed to reflect and refract light. These design elements, paired with the proportions of the glass, reflect the luxurious yet functional aesthetic of early 20th-century crystalware.

Standing at 11 cm tall, these glasses were originally designed for Port wine, but are equally suited for sherry, dessert wines, liqueurs, or elegant amuse-bouche servings.

Remarkably preserved, they are in excellent condition despite their age of more than 120 years.

Antique crystal glasses from the early 20th century are handmade, so small differences in weight, stem thickness, or wall thickness and small imperfections are normal for that period.

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.


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