Vintage Villeroy & Boch Paloma Picasso Crystal Oil/Vinegar Decanter + 2 Condiment Jars + One Solid Silver Spoon (Total x4 items)
This striking and highly decorative condiment ensemble brings together luxury crystal design and fine silver, centred around a discontinued Villeroy & Boch collection designed by the celebrated Paloma Picasso. Dating from the mid to late 1980s, around 1987 when Picasso’s collaboration with Villeroy & Boch was at its height, this set exemplifies the bold glamour and refined modernism that made the range so desirable and collectible.
Crafted from high-quality lead crystal, each piece has exceptional clarity, brilliance, and a satisfyingly heavy feel in the hand. The design language is unmistakably Paloma Picasso, with strong vertical facets, clean architectural lines, and a confident sculptural presence that transforms functional tableware into statement pieces. When set on the table, the crystal catches and refracts the light beautifully, creating a glittering, theatrical effect that instantly elevates a dining setting.
The most distinctive and playful feature of the condiment jars is their remarkable domed crystal tops, ingeniously shaped to resemble magnifying glasses. These magnifier-style lids are not only visually dramatic but also interact with the contents beneath, enlarging and distorting them in a way that brings movement, curiosity, and conversation to the table. It is a quintessential example of Picasso’s ability to combine wit with luxury, making everyday objects feel both glamorous and alive.
The tall oil or vinegar bottle is elegantly proportioned with sharply defined facets and retains its original matching crystal stopper. It has excellent clarity and presence, standing as both a practical vessel and a sculptural centrepiece. Accompanying it are two lidded condiment jars in differing sizes, one larger and one smaller, allowing for flexible use with mustard, honey, preserves, or sauces. Each jar features a neatly cut notch in the lid designed to accommodate a serving spoon without disturbing the fit of the top.
Completing the set is a solid silver mustard spoon, a sympathetic and elegant addition that complements the crystal perfectly. The spoon is hallmarked for Birmingham, 1955, and although earlier than the crystal, it is entirely in keeping with the scale and refinement of the set. The spoon is in very good condition and enhances both the functionality and the overall sense of quality.
The entire collection is presented in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, or damage to the crystal, and with all components clean, bright, and ready for use or display. As a discontinued Paloma Picasso design, this set is increasingly sought after by collectors of Villeroy & Boch, late 20th-century designer tableware, and statement crystal.
Blending sculptural modern design, playful detail, and traditional craftsmanship, this ensemble is ideal for those who appreciate distinctive, high-end table settings. It works equally well as a functional condiment set or as a display piece, offering timeless glamour with unmistakable designer pedigree.
Size: Oil/Vinegar Decanter: c. 8cm diameter x H 18cm; 2 Condiment Jars: c.W 5cm x H 5/8.5cm; Silver Spoon: L 6.5cm