Val Saint Lambert - René Delvenne - Vase - Méduse - Crystal
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Selected by Sophie Aziz
Held roles at Sotheby’s Paris with five years’ expertise in ceramics and glass.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Val Saint Lambert Méduse vase designed by René Delvenne in the 1950s, handmade free-blown crystal from Belgium in a magenta colour with depth and movement, height 39 cm, width 11 cm, depth 11 cm, condition excellent.
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Description from the seller
Val Saint Lambert “Méduse” Vase
Designed by René Delvenne, 1950s
An impressive large-scale example of the celebrated “Méduse” vase designed by René Delvenne for Val Saint Lambert. Standing 39 cm high, this elegant model embodies the sculptural and fluid aesthetic that defined Belgian crystal design during the late 1950s.
Executed in richly coloured crystal, the vase displays a beautiful and saturated magenta tone, gradually transitioning through the body to create remarkable depth and luminosity. Its asymmetrical rim and flowing contours give the piece a strong sense of movement, characteristic of Delvenne’s innovative design language.
Similar vases from this design family are illustrated in the reference publication Val Saint Lambert: Art & Design 1880–1990 by Michèle Thiry, where they are explicitly attributed to René Delvenne. The accompanying catalogue photographs provide valuable documentary support for the identification and authenticity of this model.
Entirely handmade and free-blown, each example exhibits subtle variations in colour and form, making every vase unique.
A highly decorative and increasingly sought-after collector’s piece, equally at home in modern, mid-century, or eclectic interiors.
Condition: Very good condition, with no chips, no deep scratches, and no cloudiness. The crystal remains bright and clear, with only minor signs of age consistent with careful preservation.
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
Val Saint Lambert “Méduse” Vase
Designed by René Delvenne, 1950s
An impressive large-scale example of the celebrated “Méduse” vase designed by René Delvenne for Val Saint Lambert. Standing 39 cm high, this elegant model embodies the sculptural and fluid aesthetic that defined Belgian crystal design during the late 1950s.
Executed in richly coloured crystal, the vase displays a beautiful and saturated magenta tone, gradually transitioning through the body to create remarkable depth and luminosity. Its asymmetrical rim and flowing contours give the piece a strong sense of movement, characteristic of Delvenne’s innovative design language.
Similar vases from this design family are illustrated in the reference publication Val Saint Lambert: Art & Design 1880–1990 by Michèle Thiry, where they are explicitly attributed to René Delvenne. The accompanying catalogue photographs provide valuable documentary support for the identification and authenticity of this model.
Entirely handmade and free-blown, each example exhibits subtle variations in colour and form, making every vase unique.
A highly decorative and increasingly sought-after collector’s piece, equally at home in modern, mid-century, or eclectic interiors.
Condition: Very good condition, with no chips, no deep scratches, and no cloudiness. The crystal remains bright and clear, with only minor signs of age consistent with careful preservation.
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
Details
Era
1900-2000
Country of origin
Belgium
Model
Méduse
Designer/artist/maker
René Delvenne
Material
Crystal
Style
Mid-century modern
Manufacturer/brand
Val Saint Lambert
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
39 cm
Width
11 cm
Depth
11 cm
Estimated period
1950-1960
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