Val Saint Lambert “Nestor” – Hamlet Cut Uranium Crystalline Glasses, Art Deco, 1930s
€130Bid from €120
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Bruxelles, BelgiumOn Whoppah since April 2024 • 108 sales
Product description
Val Saint Lambert “Nestor” – Hamlet Cut Uranium Crystalline Glasses, Art Deco, 1930s
Set of 6 hand-cut uranium crystalline glasses (lead-free crystal)
Belgium, Art Deco period, 1930s
An elegant and unusual set of six uranium crystalline glasses produced by the renowned Belgian glass manufactory Val Saint Lambert, representing the refined craftsmanship and distinctive aesthetics of the Art Deco period. First documented in the 1930 factory catalogue, the glasses belong to the celebrated Nestor service, featuring the delicate Hamlet cut decoration.
Entirely handcrafted from fine lead-free crystalline glass (demi-cristal), each glass displays a beautiful combination of clarity and a subtle yellowish-green tint. The elegant bowls are decorated with finely executed floral motifs, featuring elongated tulip-like forms and delicate vertical cuts that beautifully capture and reflect light. Their slender, faceted stems and balanced proportions give the glasses a timeless elegance characteristic of Belgian Art Deco design.
One of the most fascinating features of these glasses is their uranium content. Under ultraviolet light, the delicate greenish glass transforms into a brilliant, almost electric fluorescent green, creating a spectacular visual effect. This distinctive property makes the set particularly appealing to collectors of uranium glass and historical decorative arts.
Unlike heavily ornamented crystal services of the period, the Nestor model combines graceful simplicity with sophisticated decorative cutting. Nearly a century after their creation, these glasses remain remarkably contemporary, fitting beautifully into both traditional and modern minimalist interiors.
Their medium size makes them particularly suitable for serving port wine, fortified wines, digestifs, liqueurs and other after-dinner drinks. Beyond their practical use, they also make a wonderful addition to a collection of Art Deco glassware, uranium glass or Belgian decorative arts.
The set is preserved in excellent antique condition, retaining its beautiful clarity, delicate green coloration and characteristic ultraviolet fluorescence.
Please note: These glasses were entirely handmade using traditional glassmaking and cutting techniques. Minor variations in wall thickness, stem thickness, weight, colour intensity or other small details are natural characteristics of authentic handcrafted antique glass and should not be considered imperfections.
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.
Specifications
CategoryGlass & DecanterConditionExcellentColorsGreen, TransparentMaterialCrystal, GlassNumber of items6Height14 cmWidth7 cmDepth7 cmSeller locationBruxelles, BelgiumDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup