Val Saint Lambert - Jar - TAILLE SPA - catalogue 1926 - Crystal - ART DECO

Val Saint Lambert – “Spa” Art Deco Ruby Overlay Crystal Toilette Jar

No reserve price

Belgium, 1920s | Documented in the 1926 Val Saint Lambert catalogue
Hand-cut ruby overlay crystal | Height approx. 14 cm

A superb and substantial covered crystal jar by Val Saint Lambert, part of the manufactory’s luxurious Art Deco toilette service and documented in the original 1926 catalogue. The distinctive hand-cut decoration is identified in the catalogue as Taille Spa.

The jar is made from fine clear crystal overlaid with a rich ruby-red layer, which has been carefully cut through by hand to reveal the brilliant colourless crystal beneath. Rows of geometric facets and elongated pointed cuts create a striking architectural rhythm, while the deep ruby overlay produces beautiful variations of crimson, pink and clear crystal as the light passes through the piece.

The domed lid continues the same cut decoration and is crowned with a beautifully faceted clear crystal finial, giving the object an almost jewel-like quality. The combination of strong geometry, intense colour and meticulous craftsmanship is particularly characteristic of the refined luxury of Belgian Art Deco.

At approximately 14 cm high, this is a generously proportioned example and one of the larger covered jars within the toilette range. Originally conceived as part of an elegant dressing-table set, today it can be used as a jewellery or trinket box, for storing small personal objects, or simply displayed as a decorative piece of early 20th-century Belgian crystal.

The jar is entirely handcrafted and hand-cut and remains in very good antique condition, without chips or significant scratches.

An image from the original Val Saint Lambert 1926 “Articles de Toilette” catalogue accompanies the piece, documenting the Garniture de Toilette – Taille Spa and providing an important historical reference for the pattern and its authenticity.


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