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.
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Jardinière
By Christofle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive and large scaled French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze Jardinière vase signed Christofle et Cie Orfevres. This unique jardiniere is position...
Bronze, Ormolu
Christofle & Cie Parcel Gilt Patinated Jardiniere, Paris, 19th C
By Christofle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Chirstofle & Cie jardiniere is absolutely gorgeous.
Bronze
19th Century Majolica Jardinière with Hen & Rooster
Located in Austin, TX
A 19th century Majolica jardinière , in Country style painted with rooster ,hens and chick on straw , the back side is decorated with straw and bucket signed Aistis. Impressionist style. Attributed to Montigny sur Loing.
Faience, Ceramic
$2,875
H 14 in W 47 in D 14 in
19th Century French Louis XV Carved Giltwood Jardinière with Zinc Liner
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate an atrium, sunroom, or interior garden with this elegant antique jardinière, crafted in France circa 1820. Designed in the Louis XV taste, the planter stands on scrolled esc...
Wood, Giltwood, Paint
19th Century Louis XV Style Jardinière or Plant Stand
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Louis XV style Rococo bronze mounted jardinière, or planter, on a pedestal stand. Kingwood marquetry veneer. Decorated with two Sèvres hand painted porcela...
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Indian Patinated Metal Jardiniere
Located in Germantown, MD
A mid 20th Century parinated metal Indian Jardiniere. Measures 14.25" in diameter and 11" in tall. ,
Metal
19th Century French Oxblood Massier Cherub Jardiniere Pedestal
By Clement Massier
Located in Dallas, TX
A tall circa 1900 or earlier glazed redware ox blood Majolica jardinière and pedestal representing a winged Putti cherub with Art Nouv...
Ceramic
19th Century Castiron Jardinière or Planter
Located in Brecht, BE
sublime grey and blue patina on this castiron jardinière or planter.
Iron
19th C Large French White Cast Iron Jardiniere
Located in Hastings, GB
Dove Grey large scale Jardiniere, dating to circa 1890-1900, deep and heavy, decorative cast iron construction, historically overpainted in an aged dove grey paint which has resulted...
Iron
19th Century French Copper Jardiniere with Original Liner
Located in Savannah, GA
19th Century French Copper Jardiniere with Original Liner and Ending in Paw Feet
Copper
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Carved Jardiniere Stand
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent antique, circa 1880, Italian Renaissance Revival style jardinière with warm, rustic beautifully aged patina! (plant stand - indoor planter - conservatory or solarium garden box - flower display) Born in Italy in the late 19th century, most likely originating in the Veneto region of Northern Italy (Venetian), exquisitely hand-crafted in medieval Italian Renaissance style / Henry II taste, having a removable metal interior liner with handles, resting in the well-made rectangular case with stepped molded edge, over paneled frieze adorned in intricate hand carved plaquette and foliate scrolled rinceaux relief ornamentation, rising on urn-form turned column supports, atop large platform shelf base with conforming stepped molded edge further raised on bun feet with primitive inset casters. Dimensions: (approx) 22" High, 40" Wide, 17.5" Deep A wonderful example of functional art. In good original antique condition, it's srong, sturdy and structurally sound with rich patina over the whole. Substantial wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Nothing that detracts from the aesthetics or functionality but only adds to the sophisticated character, European old world charm, elegant warmth and rich historical depth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. Presents well, retaining original antique character marks throughout. Distressed, worn, faded finish, with evidence of old water damages, age related splitting in the form of crack to one decorative panel, and scattered minor losses. Partial seized casters. Heavily oxidized patinated metal basin...
Metal
19th Century French Weathered Carved Stone Garden Planter Jardinière
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique "Chambord" planter on your patio for a timeless flower display. Crafted circa 1880, the large, sturdy stone jardinière was found in Paris, France. The jard...
Cast Stone
19th Century Large French Cast Iron Jardiniere
Located in High Point, NC
Large scale jardiniere, dating to circa 1890-1900. This jardiniere is of decorative cast iron construction. These were historically overpainted, but this one is without paint which...
Iron
$950Sale Price|43% Off
H 9.45 in W 27.17 in D 12.21 in
19th Century Planter Jardinière Antique Fountain Basin, SW France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Antique French fountain basin can be used as a planter or jardinière This item also may have served of children bath tub Very old, the wood wor...
Wood
Sold
H 7.09 in W 25.99 in D 11.82 in
Large French Silver Plate Wicker Centerpiece Christofle 19th Century
By Christofle
Located in Paris, FR
An exceptional large silver plated centerpiece or planter from the famous French world-famous silversmith Christofle. In the 19th-century some wicker very sophisticated decorative p...
Brass
Important Pair of Silver Bronze Planters
By Christofle
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Important pair of silver bronze planters decorated with foliage scrolls and quivers. Inside in zinc, blue and black patina. Very finely chiseled. Christofle Signs, circa 1880. Si...
Bronze
Monumental Pair of Neoclassical Silvered Bronze Champagne Buckets: Christofle
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
A extremely rare and quite large pair of Antique French Neoclassical Silvered Bronze Champagne Buckets by Christofle. Founded in 1830 Christofl...
Bronze