Rare Boule à Fleurs (ball-shaped flower vase) by Hubert Fouarge, made by Val Saint Lambert in 1908. This is an extraordinary rare model and the colour only adds to that. It is in violet, a very rare colour at Val Saint Lambert. The vase is in good condition, has a few minuscule fleebites on the inner edge. Included in the catalogue of 1908. This particular model is designed by Hubert Fouarge. Fouarge is associated with the most exclusive pieces by Val Saint Lambert, first and foremost because he worked there in the absolute top period. It was the apex both in sales and of expansion, though even more important, it was the period that the factory produced its best quality pieces. Up till now, nobody has been able to equalise the quality of the products of Val in that time. Fouarge was ‘chef de tailleries’ (cutting studios) as of 1893. Under his watch, Val Saint Lambert experienced its top. The vase is made of crystal with a lead content of approx. 33-40%, which is a lot higher than the legally determined 24%. It gives the piece a gorgeous quality and brilliance. The technique to make this bicoloured crystal is called doubling: the form is mouthblown of clear crystal and after resting the crystal, it is doubled (also referred to as ‘bubbled’) with violet crystal. Then the violet crystal is cut back, exposing the clear crystal again. Subsequently the facets are cut and the last step is a polish with lava rock and a linen cloth. This labour-intensive process produces a wonderful result of the highest quality. Today, Val-Saint-Lambert has a presence in more than forty countries, from the USA to Saudi Arabia, from Spain to Japan. It has almost become the business card of Walloon. The government took a stake in the company in the 1980s due the impending bankruptcy of the company. A Val Saint Lambert piece, famous for its marvellous double-coloured cut crystal, was a sought-after collector’s item or an expensive business gift, including princes and diplomats. They for instance delivered the glass seats (amongst others, because of the frigidity of the material) for the World Exhibition in Sevilla. The offering has been broadened and modernised, though the manufacturing of unique pieces is still artisanal. It will be properly packaged and shipped with insurance in fitting (possibly double) packaging. Bpost will be used for delivery within Belgium, DPD for other destinations. Shipping outside Europe is currently not possible due to the customs restrictions related to the Corona pandemic. The shipping costs are applicable to destinations on the continent, overseas territories and islands may require a surcharge. A surcharge for customs facilities will be added if applicable (outside the EU). Due to the fragility of this lot, it will not be possible to combine it with other possible lots from the same auction. Other lots will require to be paid for additionally. This supplement will not be higher than the indicated shipping costs.