Val Saint Lambert - Charles Graffart - Vase - Signed - PIÈCE UNIQUE - Crystal - Art Deco

Val Saint Lambert — Pièce Unique Art Deco Ruby Overlay Crystal Vase, c. 1930s–Early 1940s

An exceptional Art Deco crystal vase by the renowned Belgian manufacture Val Saint Lambert, dating from the 1930s to the early 1940s — a period when Charles Graffart was the factory’s leading designer.

The vase is crafted from heavy clear crystal with a rich ruby-red overlay, entirely hand-cut with a bold, highly sculptural geometric decoration characteristic of the Art Deco aesthetic. The deep cutting reveals the clear crystal beneath the intense ruby layer, creating dramatic contrasts and brilliant reflections of light.

What makes this piece particularly remarkable is the inscription on the base: “Val St Lambert – P.U.”, with P.U. standing for Pièce Unique. This indicates that the vase was created as a one-of-a-kind piece rather than as part of serial production. Its individual cutting pattern and Pièce Unique designation make it an especially interesting example for a serious Val Saint Lambert or Art Deco collection.

Standing approximately 22 cm high and weighing an impressive 3.5 kg, the vase has a substantial and monumental presence, reflecting the exceptional quality of Val Saint Lambert crystal craftsmanship.

Considering its age, the vase remains highly decorative, although it does show some condition issues: there is a visible chip to the upper rim and several smaller chips to the edges of the cut decoration. There is also some slight cloudiness to the interior of the base from previous use, although it is not particularly noticeable. These signs of age and use are clearly shown in the photographs.

A rare opportunity to acquire a signed Art Deco Pièce Unique by Val Saint Lambert — an impressive piece of Belgian crystal craftsmanship whose particular value lies in its unique, individually executed character.


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