Rare Centerpiece with Game Old Christofle, Bronze, circa 1860
About the Item
- Creator:Christofle (Metalworker)
- Dimensions:Height: 16.15 in (41 cm)Width: 12.21 in (31 cm)Depth: 14.57 in (37 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:Bronze,Plated
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1860
- Condition:Minor fading. Sotheby's said: "This piece is close to the works presented by Christofle at the Universal Exhibition in London in 1851.".
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:
Christofle
Although he started his career as a jeweler in 1830 — after apprenticing with his copper jeweler brother-in-law years earlier — Charles Christofle (1805–63) recognized that Second Empire France had an untapped audience for luxury silverware and tableware.
Gold and silver gilt had been the high-end standard in the 18th century, yet society after the Industrial Revolution demanded a more affordable, but still refined, approach. So in the 1840s, Christofle cornered the market on electrolytic gilding and silver plating, dominating the hold on patents in the country for over a decade. His work soon attracted the attention of Louis-Philippe I and then Napoleon III, under whom he was named Fournisseur de l’Empereur, cementing the prestige of his brand.
While Christofle created decadent centerpieces and tableware for the French palaces — as well as prominent clients like the Orient Express — the company’s electroplating of silverware that was far less expensive than that made by silversmiths attained widespread popularity. At a time when many who could not afford gold or silver still used wooden utensils, Christofle was a game changer for at-home dining. An appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago furthered the company’s reach to American consumers who would soon rival the manufacturer’s European clientele.
The 20th century saw Christofle adapting to changing tastes in its offerings, such as the Aria collection, which debuted in 1985 with column-like lines on its flatware designed by Bernard Yot, and the playful egg-shaped silverware container introduced in 2015 that opens to reveal a full flatware set. The company also now sells barware, home accessories and even jewelry, harkening back to its roots. Now almost two centuries old, Christofle maintains its reputation as a leading flatware and silverware company under the ownership of the Chalhoub group, its utensils gracing tables in homes, hotels and restaurants all over the world.
Shop authentic Christofle serveware, ceramics, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Paris, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Center Table mixed Vase Candelabra Old Christofle Silver-plated Bronze, c.1890By ChristofleLocated in Paris, FRRare particularly original and refined candelabra with the cristal vase located in the middle in silvered bronze made at the end of the 19th by Christofle. This center table is desi...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Candelabras
MaterialsBronze
- 19th Century Fratin Gilded Bronze Centerpiece Monkeys Making CigarsBy Christophe FratinLocated in Paris, FRGilded bronze centerpiece "Monkeys making cigars" 19th century Fratin Christophe Fratin (1801-1864) is a famous French animal sculptor who exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1831–1842...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Romantic Centerpieces
MaterialsBronze
- Set of 2 Old Christofle Coaster Silver Plated, circa 1880By ChristofleLocated in Paris, FRA very nice and high-quality set of 2 Old Christofle silver-plated, world-famous French factory, each bottle coaster, 19th century. Measures: D 16 cm, H 2.5cm. In 1852 Napoleon II...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Barware
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Buccellati Fruits Wreath Centerpiece Solid Silver Produced Stamped by Lisi 1978By Buccellati, Fratelli LisiLocated in Paris, FRThis large vintage sterling silver centerpiece is very decorative and allows you to adorn your table wonderfully. It is composed of a central wicked-style basket surrounded by chisel...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Renaissance Centerpieces
MaterialsSilver
- Art Deco Jug by Süe & Mare for Gallia, Christofle circa 1930By Christofle, Louis Sue, Gallia, Andre MareLocated in Paris, FRArt Deco jug by Louis Süe(1875-1968) & André Mare (1887-1932) for Gallia - Christofle. Silverplated with plant motifs in low-relief. Stamped underneath "...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pitchers
MaterialsSilver Plate
- Buccellati Artwork with Oak Leaves Wreath Surrounding a Round Silver BasketBy Federico BuccellatiLocated in Paris, FRBeautiful large sterling silver centerpiece created by the famous Italian silversmith Federico Buccellati. This circular centerpiece ...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver
- 19th Century Neoclassical Silvered Muses Centerpiece in the Manner of ChristofleBy ChristofleLocated in Los Angeles, CAA very fine French 19th century neoclassical style silver-plated figural centerpiece, in the manner of Christofle and a design by Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912). The circular or...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Neoclassical Revival Centerpieces
MaterialsBronze
- Antique Christofle et Cie Silvered Bronze and Crystal Centrepiece, circa 1900By ChristofleLocated in Bath, GBA fabulous early piece of antique Christofle dating to circa 1900. The hefty piece is made from silvered bronze fully marked on the side. The cut...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze
- Art Deco Centerpiece with Bronze Sculpture of Dancing Girls Andre Gilbert, 1925By Andre GilbertLocated in Antwerp, BEWhirling, spectacular circular marble centerpiece with a bronze sculpture of two dancing girls holding hands by the French artist Andre Gilbert, circa 19...Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsMarble, Bronze
- Espacio Bronze Centerpiece by Jean-Baptiste Van Den HeedeLocated in Geneve, CHEspacio bronze centerpiece by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Unique piece signed and numbered Dimensions: D 41 x 8 cm Materials: bronze Other sizes and materials available. Ea...Category
2010s Spanish Modern Centerpieces
MaterialsBronze
- Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver-Plated & Crystal Fruit CenterpieceBy ChristofleLocated in Los Angeles, CAA fine and rare 19th-20th century neoclassical Revival style silver plated metal and cut-glass centerpiece in the manner of Christofle. The boat-shaped ornately body with finely chas...Category
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Neoclassical Revival Centerpieces
MaterialsMetal
- French 19th/20th Century Louis XV Style Christofle & Cie Figural CenterpieceBy ChristofleLocated in Los Angeles, CAA very fine and palatial French 19th/20th century Christofle & Cie Louis XV style silvered figural centerpiece, fitted with an oval diamond-cut-glass center-dish, attributed to Bacca...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Louis XV Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze, Silver Plate