Antique Val St Lambert Crystal Pique Fleur Vase

A rare antique art nouveau Val St Lambert cobalt blue cut to clear crystal pique fleur, 'Alexandra' model by Joseph Simon c.1908, historically called a 'fantasy vase'. This design features swag and fan detailed cuts as well as its original metal grille to support flower stems, allowing for a stunning, thick, full bouquet. This was the top period of production for Val Saint Lambert, where they achieved the highest quality in their history. This is the rare version made with doubled cobalt blue crystal. After doubling, the cobalt blue crystal was cut back by a cutting master, exposing the original clear crystal again and allowing the clear crystal to be cut as well. There are a few very tiny nibbles on the collar which are covered by the grille. There is also one chip on the base of the vase as shown. With all the fine cutting it is very hard to spot.