When light meets beautifully cut glass, even an everyday object can become a work of art.
Our upcoming 27 & 28 October 2026 auction in Mortsel, Antwerp features a dazzling selection of cut glass, crystal-style glassware, coloured stemware, decanters, decorative bowls and statement vases — a collection designed to catch both the eye and the light.
From brilliant cobalt blue and emerald green to ruby red, amber, pink and perfectly clear glass, this selection demonstrates why fine glassware has fascinated collectors for generations.
Some pieces were created to grace an elegant dining table.
Others were made to become decorative centrepieces in their own right.
Together, they form one of the most colourful sections of our October auction.
Discover an Exceptional Collection of Glassware
Look closely at the collection and an impressive variety of forms begins to emerge.
Among the pieces pictured are:
• Large decorative cut-glass vases
• Cobalt-blue overlay-style glassware
• Red and clear decorative vase
• Green cut-glass vase
• Decorative crystal-style bowls
• Coloured stemmed glasses
• Sets of clear cut-glass goblets
• Wine and dessert glasses
• Small liqueur or cordial glasses
• Multicoloured cocktail-style glasses
• Decorative amber glass
• Elegant decanters with matching stoppers
• A striking multi-piece decanter or vanity-style set
• Large statement bowls and centrepieces
Whether displayed inside a cabinet, used for entertaining or collected purely for their craftsmanship, these are pieces that reward a closer look.
Why Cut Crystal and Decorative Glass Remain So Collectible
Fine glassware has a special quality that few other decorative objects possess:
it changes with the light.
A deeply cut surface can sparkle dramatically in sunlight.
A coloured glass can look completely different depending on what is behind it.
Clear crystal-style glasswork creates reflections, shadows and flashes of light, while coloured overlays add another layer of visual depth.
Collectors often appreciate glassware for a combination of:
• Quality of cutting
• Colour
• Clarity
• Weight
• Form and proportions
• Decorative technique
• Maker or factory
• Age and origin
• Rarity
• Condition
• Completeness of a set
Even two apparently similar glasses can reveal considerable differences when examined side by side.
That is one reason our public viewing days are particularly valuable for collectors.
Cobalt Blue: A Colour Made to Stand Out
One of the dominant colours in this collection is deep cobalt blue.
Several striking blue-and-clear pieces immediately draw the eye, including a tall decorative vase and substantial bowls or vessels featuring contrasting cut decoration.
Cobalt blue glass has long been popular because of its intensity.
When paired with clear cut sections, the contrast can emphasise the geometry of the cutting and create a dramatic jewel-like appearance.
These pieces can work equally well inside a traditional display cabinet or as bold decorative objects in a modern interior.
Ruby Red, Emerald Green, Amber & Pink
The collection is far from monochromatic.
Look further and you will discover vivid red, green, amber, pink and multicoloured stemware.
Sets of coloured glasses can completely transform a table setting.
Ruby and pink tones create warmth and drama.
Emerald green feels rich and traditional.
Amber introduces a warm vintage character.
And mixed colours can turn a collection of drinking glasses into a decorative display even when they are not being used.
For buyers interested in maximalist interiors, vintage table settings and colourful entertaining, these pieces offer enormous styling potential.
Elegant Stemware for the Collector — or the Dinner Table
One of the largest groups in the photograph consists of clear and coloured stemware.
Rows of goblets, wine glasses and smaller glasses demonstrate how much variation can exist within this category.
Cut-glass stemware has traditionally been associated with formal dining and special occasions, but today’s collectors are increasingly bringing vintage and antique glassware back into everyday use.
Why save beautiful glasses exclusively for a cabinet?
A carefully chosen vintage glass can make a simple dinner feel more special.
For collectors, complete or near-complete sets are particularly interesting because they allow a table to be arranged consistently while still retaining the character of older craftsmanship.
Decanters: Function Meets Decoration
At the centre of the upper section is an elegant collection of decorative decanters and bottles with glass stoppers.
Decanters occupy an interesting place in the history of tableware.
They were created for practical use, but makers quickly turned them into opportunities for decorative craftsmanship.
Faceted surfaces, coloured details, shaped stoppers and elaborate cutting can transform a simple bottle into an impressive display object.
Today, antique and vintage decanters are collected both individually and as parts of larger glassware collections.
They can also create an attractive display on a drinks cabinet, bar cart or dining-room sideboard.
Statement Vases & Decorative Bowls
Not every object in this auction is intended for drinking.
Several substantial vases, bowls and centrepieces demonstrate how glass can become sculptural.
Particularly striking are the large blue vase, the red-and-clear floral-decorated vase, substantial coloured bowls and the large green-and-clear geometric bowl in the centre of the collection.
Pieces of this scale can function as stand-alone decorative objects.
Place one on a dining table.
A console.
A sideboard.
A display cabinet.
Or simply somewhere that natural light can reach it.
The light does the rest.
From Traditional Dining Rooms to Contemporary Interiors
Collectible glassware is remarkably adaptable.
It does not require a completely traditional interior.
A richly coloured vintage vase can provide the perfect contrast in a minimalist room.
A group of mismatched coloured glasses can bring personality to a contemporary dining table.
Clear cut crystal-style pieces can complement almost any decorating style because their primary visual elements are light, shape and texture.
This flexibility is one reason vintage glass and crystal continue to attract new generations of collectors.
What Should Collectors Look For?
When examining antique and vintage glassware, details matter.
During our viewing days, prospective bidders may wish to inspect:
Signatures or etched makers’ marks – often found on the base
✨ Quality of cutting – deeper and more precise cutting can indicate higher levels of craftsmanship
Colour – examine consistency and the way the colour interacts with cut areas
Glass characteristics – bubbles, inclusions and manufacturing variations can sometimes provide clues to production methods
Matching sets – compare dimensions, patterns and proportions
Condition – inspect rims, stems, feet and high points carefully for chips or damage
️ Labels and markings – original labels can sometimes provide useful manufacturer information
Confirmed maker, origin, date, material and condition information should always be checked against the individual catalogue description.
Searching for Crystal & Collectible Glassware in Belgium?
Our October auction may appeal to buyers searching for:
cut crystal for sale, crystal auction Belgium, coloured glassware, vintage crystal glasses, antique glassware Belgium, crystal wine glasses, cut glass goblets, vintage stemware, coloured wine glasses, antique decanters, crystal decanter set, cobalt blue glass, vintage glass vase, cut crystal vase, decorative glass bowl, collectible glassware, Bohemian-style glass, European crystal, vintage barware, tableware auction, estate glassware and antiques auction Antwerp.
These categories attract not only traditional collectors but also interior designers, vintage enthusiasts, barware collectors and buyers searching for unique table settings.
See the Colours & Craftsmanship in Person
Glass is one category that photographs can never fully reproduce.
The brilliance, weight, reflections and intensity of colour are much easier to appreciate in person.
We therefore invite you to visit our auction house during the public viewing days.
VIEWING DAYS
Friday 23 October 2026
Saturday 24 October 2026
AUCTION DAYS
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Jordaens N.V. – Mortsel, Antwerp, Belgium
Which Colour Would Make It Into Your Collection?
Cobalt blue?
Emerald green?
❤️ Ruby red?
Amber?
Pink?
✨ Or timeless clear crystal?
Perhaps the hardest part of this collection is deciding which colour deserves your bid.
Explore the complete October auction catalogue, save your favourite lots and visit us during our public viewing days before bidding begins.
✨ Discover the craftsmanship
Inspect your favourites in person
❤️ Save the pieces you love
Bid on 27 & 28 October
Because beautiful glass does more than reflect light — it transforms it.
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