Val Saint Lambert - 饮酒套装 (7) - Service PRINCE de GALLES - 水晶 - 1900年代

Val Saint Lambert “Prince de Galles” Liqueur Glasses – Belgium, Catalogue 1904–1905 – Set of 7

An elegant set of seven antique crystal liqueur glasses by Val Saint Lambert, Belgium, documented in the official 1904–1905 catalogue as part of the prestigious Service Prince de Galles, one of the firm’s most celebrated Belle Époque services.

Entirely hand-crafted, the glasses feature a distinctive double row of olive-shaped lens cuts and beautifully sculpted stems with enclosed air bubbles, a technically demanding detail that creates a remarkable sparkle, particularly in candlelight. The finely cut hexagonal feet further enhance the sophistication of the design.

This service is highly regarded among collectors for the amount of handwork involved in its production and the richness of its decoration.

As expected from entirely handmade crystal, slight variations are present: four glasses are marginally taller, while three are approximately half a centimetre lower, as visible in the photographs.

The set remains in very good condition. Two glasses show tiny imperfections on the underside of the foot, visible in the photographs. No cracks were observed, and the crystal retains excellent clarity and brilliance.

A beautiful and increasingly scarce Belle Époque set, combining documented catalogue provenance, exceptional craftsmanship, and the timeless elegance of early Val Saint Lambert crystal.

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