Val Saint Lambert - ポートグラス (6) - 19世紀 - 「Olivier」 - カタログ 1866 - Uranium glass - ベル・エポック

Val Saint Lambert “Olivier” Uranium Crystalline Port Wine Glasses – Set of Six – 19th Century

A rare and elegant set of six antique port wine glasses from the celebrated Olivier service by Val Saint Lambert, one of Belgium’s most important historic glass manufactories.

The Olivier service appears repeatedly in Val Saint Lambert catalogues throughout the second half of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, demonstrating the remarkable longevity of the design. Among the historical documentation presented here are two early references: an 1866 catalogue, where the Olivier glass is already illustrated, and the January 1879 catalogue, showing the complete Service Olivier.

Each glass combines a clear lead-free crystalline glass stem and foot with a delicate pale-green uranium crystalline glass bowl, which produces a vivid green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. This type of high-quality lead-free glass, often referred to as crystalline, was also widely used during the 19th century.

The model is particularly distinguished by its elegant sculptural stem with a characteristic captured air bubble (“air drop”), a decorative feature requiring considerable skill from the glassmaker. The bowls are finished with a continuous series of hand-cut and polished oval lenses, resembling olives and giving the Olivier service its distinctive appearance.

The combination of two-tone crystalline glass, uranium content, hand cutting and the sophisticated air-drop stem makes this a particularly refined example of 19th-century Val Saint Lambert craftsmanship. Historic uranium glass is increasingly appreciated by collectors and is no longer part of ordinary modern glass production.

A beautiful and highly collectible complete set of six documented 19th-century Val Saint Lambert glasses, representing an important and long-lived design from the celebrated Belgian manufactory.


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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