Crystal Iceberg Cigar Ashtray by Val Saint Lambert
View Similar Items
Crystal Iceberg Cigar Ashtray by Val Saint Lambert
About the Item
- Creator:Val Saint Lambert (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1940s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:Seller: #21211stDibs: LU936627376762
Val Saint Lambert
For almost 200 years, Val Saint Lambert of Seraing, Belgium, has produced some of the most elegant and prestigious works of crystal and glass. Holding the distinction of being the world’s only Belgian glassworks, Val Saint Lambert creates exquisite items including ashtrays, serveware, vases and sculptures.
Founded by chemist François Kemlin and engineer Auguste Lelièvre, the company opened its first glassworks in 1826. Its quality manufacturing of heavy-lead crystal and the expert craftsmanship of its wares quickly led to the company’s popularity.
In 1894, Val Saint Lambert exhibited its geometric-cut crystal at the World’s Fair in Antwerp, Belgium. The central piece was “le Vase des Neuf Provinces,” or “The Vase of the Nine Provinces.” Under the direction of French glassmaker Léon Ledru, it took 30 artisans over 2,000 hours to fashion it from 85 individually crafted pieces. The exposure led to Val Saint Lambert becoming the primary crystal used by the Tsars of Russia and the company’s pieces being sold internationally.
That same year, the company crafted two immense crystal chandeliers for the Maharaja of Gwalior to hang in his palace in India. Weighing almost five tons each and measuring over 42 feet high, they were the largest crystal chandeliers in the world at the time.
The company closed its doors for the duration of World War I but soon reopened. By 1926, it had over 5,000 employees and had a growing demand for its pieces made in the Art Deco style.
During World War II, bombing from German and Allied forces destroyed the main glassworks facility. The company rebuilt, but by 1950, crystal was becoming more of a household item and less of a luxury good.
In the subsequent decades, Val Saint Lambert collaborated with notable names to expand its offerings with sophisticated furniture, including work with Philippe Starck and Frans Van Praet. In 1992, Van Praet designed the famed Sevilla chair for Val Saint Lambert, a piece highly prized by collectors and designers.
In 2014, Belgian manufacturer Jacques Somville took over Val Saint Lambert. In 2018, Belgian entrepreneur George Arthur Forrest acquired the majority of the company. Val Saint Lambert continues to make some of the finest glass and crystal wares in the world.
Find Val Saint Lambert lighting, seating and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
More From This Seller
View AllLate 20th Century American Modern Ashtrays
Crystal
Late 20th Century North American Ashtrays
Crystal
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Crystal
Late 20th Century American Decorative Boxes
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary French Ashtrays
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ashtrays
Crystal
You May Also Like
Vintage 1960s Belgian Ashtrays
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Ashtrays
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Glass
20th Century Post-Modern Ashtrays
Art Glass
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Crystal
Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Crystal
