A Royal Tribute in Crystal
Oranjevaas
Client
Royal Leerdam Crystal
Design
Tjep.
Production
Royal Leerdam Crystal, Marco Lopulalan
Materials:
Mouth-blown crystal glass.
Sizes:
Small (Beatrix 80: approx. 15 cm); medium and large variants up to 30 cm.
Date:
2018
Collections
Nationaal Glasmuseum, Leerdam
Museum Paleis Het Loo, Apeldoorn
In the spirit of enduring Dutch craftsmanship, the Oranjevaas series honors pivotal moments in royal history, blending timeless tradition with elegant design. This collection exemplifies innovative products that celebrate national heritage through exquisite glasswork.
Honoring Princess Beatrix
Launched in 2013 to commemorate Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix's 80th birthday on January 31, the Oranjevaas Beatrix 80 —designed by Frank Tjepkema — stands as a luminous symbol of longevity and grace. This limited-edition series, produced by Royal Leerdam Crystal, upholds a cherished tradition dating back to 1927, where each significant national event inspires a unique vase.
The Elegant Form
The design draws inspiration from the number 8—evoking eight decades and the infinite symbol—elegantly unfurling at the top to form a regal collar. Intricate patterns mimic delicate lace motifs from 17th-century Dutch paintings, transforming the vase into a wearable echo of historical opulence and artistic refinement.
Masterful Craftsmanship
Handblown with precision by master glassblower Marco Lopulalan at Royal Leerdam Crystal's storied Leerdam facility, each piece captures the fluidity and fire of molten glass. A Moluccan native who began his career at age 18 in the factory's working-class heart, Lopulalan honed his skills in the revered Leerdam School of glassblowing under master artisans, rising to production manager and crafting pieces for royalty, including glassware for the Dutch monarch. His expertise infuses the vases with the soul of Dutch glassmaking—a legacy continued even after the factory's 2020 closure through dedicated artisans like him.
A Tradition Since 1927
The Beatrix edition, in vibrant orange with gradient variants like Royal Blue and Royal Orange, was released in a limited run of 300 pieces—swiftly becoming coveted collectors' items.
From Tjep.'s Amsterdam studio in collaboration with Royal Leerdam Crystal, the Oranjevaas elevates everyday elegance into royal legacy—a heirloom that whispers of infinity for the discerning collector.