Jupiter Glass Cup or Vase, Leon Ledru for Val St-Lambert, late 19th/early 20th century – Belgium
Exquisite Jupiter glass cup or vase from the prestigious and historic Belgian crystal house Val St-Lambert. Made of double-layered, hand-blown and hand-cut crystal, with a cobalt blue body and a gold finial on the lid. The body also features the 18-karat gold frieze known as "Dance of the Goddess Flora," wheel-cut and designed by Leon Ledru. This model is documented in the Val St-Lambert catalogue and is considered a collector's item. Hand-signed on the base. A true gem.
Val St-Lambert (1826-)
The Val St-Lambert manufacture is one of the most prestigious and oldest luxury crystal factories in Europe, with a history spanning almost two centuries. Founded in 1826 in Seraing, near Liège, Belgium, on the site of a former Cistercian abbey, it has since been a benchmark for Belgian and global crystal.
It was created by chemist François Kemlin and engineer Auguste Lelièvre, becoming the first and only crystal manufacturer in Belgium. Throughout the 19th century, it gained an international reputation for the purity, transparency, and brilliance of its crystal. It won medals at industrial exhibitions and began exporting its products throughout Europe. The company reached its peak between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with more than 5,000 employees. Almost 75–90% of its production was exported, including pieces for the Russian tsars and other global elites. World War I forced the temporary closure of the factory, and after the fall of the Russian Empire, a large market was lost. World War II destroyed parts of the facilities, but the company rebuilt and continued operating.
Val Saint Lambert is distinguished by its high-quality crystal, traditionally with a high lead content, which gives it exceptional clarity and brilliance. The pieces are made using artisanal techniques such as mouth-blowing, hand-cutting, and hand-engraving. In 1908, double-colored cut crystal was introduced, an innovation that solidified its international reputation. Today, Val Saint Lambert continues to produce crystal in Belgium, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, and maintains its place within the country's cultural and industrial heritage.
Material: Crystal
Designer: Leon Ledru
Manufacturer: Val St-Lambert
Hand-signed on the base
Style: Art Nouveau
Period: Late 19th / Early 20th Century
Country of Origin: Belgium
Provenance: Private Collection
Good condition considering its age and use
Dimensions: 38 x 17 x 17 cm
Shipping costs will be paid by the buyer according to the dimensions, weight, and destination. We will contact you to arrange the order and agree on a quote. Shipping costs include custom-made professional packaging and personalized delivery with tracking and warranty.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBlue, GoldMaterialCrystalNumber of items1Height38 cmWidth17 cmDepth17 cmSigns of usageScratches