Val Saint Lambert - Sugar bowl - Catalogue 1879 - Crystal - SUCRIER

Val Saint Lambert – Rare 19th-Century Frosted Crystal Sugar Bowl with Dog Finial – Illustrated in the 1879 Catalogue – Belgian Antique

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An exceptionally rare and charming antique crystal sugar bowl by the renowned Belgian crystal manufacturer Val Saint Lambert, dating from the second half of the 19th century.

This remarkable piece is illustrated as model No. 22 in the original Val Saint Lambert catalogue of January 1879, providing valuable historical documentation of its origin and age. The design may have been introduced even earlier.

Made from pressed crystal, it represents an early example of Val Saint Lambert’s decorative pressed-crystal production.

The sugar bowl features an elaborate woven-basket design, decorated with delicate branches and foliage. Its most distinctive feature is the sculptural lid, crowned by a beautifully modelled reclining dog. The base is equally fascinating, supported by three stylised dog figures that form its feet.

The entire composition is finished in frosted crystal, giving the piece a soft, almost sculptural appearance and beautifully highlighting its intricate details.

Particularly interesting is the historical rarity of this design. The model appears in Val Saint Lambert’s 19th-century catalogues but has not been identified in the manufacturer’s 20th-century catalogues, suggesting that its production was limited to an earlier period.

Condition: Very good antique condition, especially considering its age of approximately 150 years. The bowl itself is free from chips. There are a few very minor imperfections on the inner edge of the lid, barely noticeable and shown in the photographs. Small manufacturing irregularities characteristic of early pressed crystal may also be present.

A wonderful example of 19th-century Belgian crystal making, combining technical innovation, whimsical animal sculpture and exceptional decorative craftsmanship.

An unusual and highly collectible piece, equally appealing as a historical object and a distinctive decorative accent in a contemporary interior.

The original 1879 Val Saint Lambert catalogue illustration is included in the photographs for reference.


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