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Christofle Sculptures

French

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.

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Creator: Christofle
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle
Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle

Gio Ponti Horse Silver Sculpture with Lino Sabattini for Christofle

By Gio Ponti, Christofle, Lino Sabattini

Located in Hanover, MA

1978 Gio Ponti designed silver plated horse sculpture, titled "Cavallo", edition Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 2008. Very good condition. Comes with original Christofle box and non-...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Silver Plate

Important 19th Century Gilded Bronze Centrepiece, Christofle, Paris
Important 19th Century Gilded Bronze Centrepiece, Christofle, Paris

Important 19th Century Gilded Bronze Centrepiece, Christofle, Paris

By Christofle

Located in Bath, GB

A magnificent and important gilded bronze and Onyx centrepiece dating to around 1880. The beautifully cast base is made from bronze and covered in gold. The theme is highly sought...

Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Silver Plated Tube Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle
Silver Plated Tube Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle

Silver Plated Tube Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle

By Gio Ponti, Jacques Sitoleux, Christofle

Located in Stockholm, SE

Silverplated tube vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christofle, France, circa 1969..

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Silver Plate

19thC French Solid Silver Bull On Stand, Christofle, Paris c.1860
19thC French Solid Silver Bull On Stand, Christofle, Paris c.1860

19thC French Solid Silver Bull On Stand, Christofle, Paris c.1860

By Christofle

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century French solid silver figural statue, beautifully modelled depicting a resting bull on an ebony base. The sculptural figure is modelled to the highest quality, undoubtedly by one of the best French sculptors and silversmiths of the period. Hallmarked French silver (Minerva 950 standard), unsigned, but attributed to Pierre-Louis Rouillard and Eugene Capy, Christofle, Paris, c.1860. (for a similar sculpture see, Sotheby's, 19th century Furniture, Sculpture, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art, 22nd April 2010, New York, lot 48) The story of the firm Christofle began in 1830 when Charles Christofle (1805 - 1863) arrived in Paris from Lyons to join his brother-in-law’s jewellery firm. When his brother-in-law died in 1837, Charles took over the business which became, within a few years, one of the most successful and popular silver brands of the last two centuries. The turning point for the firm arrived in 1841 when, with the financial help of his sister Rosine Bouilhet, Charles bought from George and Richard Elkington the license to import and use in France their revolutionary electroplating system and started employing very skilled craftsmen and designers such as Mathurin Moreau (1821 - 1912) and Èmile Reibere (1826 - 1893). The first royal appointment arrived in 1844 when Louis Philippe ordered new tableware for his palaces. In 1855 Charles received from the Emperor Napoleon III the commission for a gold-plated dinner service for the Elysée Palace and a more than 1200 pieces service for the Tuileries palace. Charles Christofle also promoted his business exhibiting at the International Fairs and gaining important commissions from abroad including the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and the Emperor Maximilian of Mexico...

Category

19th Century French Antique Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Silver

Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III
Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III

Game center piece Bronze, c. 1860 Christofle goldsmith to Emperor Napoleon III

By Christofle

Located in Paris, FR

An exceptional centerpiece signed Christofle artwork is silver-plated bronze with a very nice patina. The artistic part is a work of achievement; the base is pierced, composed of bra...

Category

1860s French Aesthetic Movement Antique Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

"Triumphant Man, " Spectacular Gilded Bronze Trophy Cup w/ Male Nude, Christofle
"Triumphant Man, " Spectacular Gilded Bronze Trophy Cup w/ Male Nude, Christofle

"Triumphant Man, " Spectacular Gilded Bronze Trophy Cup w/ Male Nude, Christofle

By Christofle

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Large and spectacular, this gilded bronze trophy cup in the Art Nouveau style was sculpted by Eugène Bourgouin for Christofle, and is richly decorated wi...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Christofle Xiao Wang Silvered Bronze And Sterling Silver Abstract Lips Sculpture
Christofle Xiao Wang Silvered Bronze And Sterling Silver Abstract Lips Sculpture

Christofle Xiao Wang Silvered Bronze And Sterling Silver Abstract Lips Sculpture

By Christofle

Located in North Miami, FL

This stellar powerful and conversational silvered bronze and sterling silver limited edition abstracted love lips or heart sculpture was commissioned by Christofle and designed and executed by a young Chinese woman artist named Xiao Hui Wang. This is the first time in Christofle history that a young Chinese artist, albeit a woman was asked to create this commission. It is signed and numbered on the bottom. It is signed with the artists name not terribly legible, then Christofle then 08/66 then France. The base is very heavy and is sterling silver. The top is silvered bronze and was lacquered. The base cannot be lacquered because it is sterling silver so it will tarnish from time. You will be able to polish it. We have not seen another one on line or anywhere else. The original monumental sculpture was first created on the occasion of the Shanghai Expo and stands elegantly in monumental form at the flagship Hilton in Singapore. This is a great symbol of how the masters of silver which are Christofle have transcended the art of the table to the art of the living in sensuality. This is stellar sensual and sexy sculpture that will elicit conversation. It creates reflections of magnitude from the surface and each angle is a different representation. It is extremely heavy and came in its own crate from Paris. It is a piece de resistance of a great sculpture no doubt. This must be trucked because of its weight. This will need a great pedestal in your home or can sit on a large monumental cocktail...

Category

Early 2000s French Modern Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Silver, Bronze, Sterling Silver

Christofle & R Rozet, Agricultural Trophy in Silver Bronze, Early 20th Century
Christofle & R Rozet, Agricultural Trophy in Silver Bronze, Early 20th Century

Christofle & R Rozet, Agricultural Trophy in Silver Bronze, Early 20th Century

By Christofle

Located in MARSEILLE, FR

Green marble base, the label of the agricultural price to which it corresponded is missing The bronze is signed R Rozet (René, 1859-1939) and Christofle & Cie, who collaborated at...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

Christofle Sculpture of a Trophy, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.

By Christofle

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Silver-plated metal sculpture and varnished wood base by Christofle representing an agricultural trophy, 19th century, Napoleon III period. H: 36cm, D: 23cm

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Christofle Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

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Lino Sabatinni For Christofle / Gallia, Paris - Ice Bucket, c.1960
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By Christofle, Lino Sabattini

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Solid Russian Malachite Lion
Solid Russian Malachite Lion

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A Malachite lion - perfectly suited for a desk object / sculpture or paperweight. A perfect gift for anyone who loves organic, yet chic pieces.

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19th Century Bronze Tazza Dish, Casted by Oudry, Paris
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By A. Oudry

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

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"Orgues” Silver-Plated Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe, 1969
"Orgues” Silver-Plated Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe, 1969

"Orgues” Silver-Plated Vase by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe, 1969

By Gio Ponti

Located in New York, NY

"Orgues” Silver Vase Designed by Jacques Sitoleux for Christolfe 1969 DIMENSIONS Height: 12-1/2 inches Width: 5-1/8 inches Dept...

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1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sculptures

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Antique Christofle Silvered Bronze Jardiniere Centerpiece
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By Christofle

Located in New York, NY

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Manner of Christofle 19th-20th Century Silver-Plated & Crystal Fruit Centerpiece
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Located in Los Angeles, CA

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Previously Available Items
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Christofle Silver Plated Lumiere D’Argent Owl Figurine

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By Christofle

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

Lumière d'Argent Little Owl. Lumière d'Argent Collection, near 36 pieces created by Christofle between 1987 and 1994 in its Saint-Denis manufacturing site. The different animals are ...

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1980s French Arts and Crafts Vintage Christofle Sculptures

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Christofle Silver Plated Dragon Figurine
Christofle Silver Plated Dragon Figurine

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H 2.52 in W 3.5 in D 0.5 in

Christofle Silver Plated Dragon Figurine

By Christofle

Located in Mérida, YU

Vintage Christofle of France silver plated Chinese dragon, highly detailed with perforated body, in excellent condition. Excellent condition

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Early 2000s French Organic Modern Christofle Sculptures

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Pierced Silver Plate Cat Christofle France Lumiere Figurine
Pierced Silver Plate Cat Christofle France Lumiere Figurine

Pierced Silver Plate Cat Christofle France Lumiere Figurine

By Christofle

Located in Mérida, YU

Dazzling 3 1/2" silver cat was made by Christifle , France as part of their Lumiere series. Main body is pierced - face and tail are solid.

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1980s French Modern Vintage Christofle Sculptures

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Horse Sculpture 'Cavallo' by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 1978
Horse Sculpture 'Cavallo' by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 1978

Horse Sculpture 'Cavallo' by Gio Ponti and Lino Sabattini for Christofle, 1978

By Gio Ponti, Christofle, Lino Sabattini

Located in Morazzone, Varese

Chic modern abstract horse sculpture in silver plate called "Cavallo," by legendary designer Gio Ponti, manufactured by metalsmith Lino Sabatt...

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1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sculptures

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Modernist Coffee / Tea Set by Lino Sabattini, Christofle
Modernist Coffee / Tea Set by Lino Sabattini, Christofle

Modernist Coffee / Tea Set by Lino Sabattini, Christofle

By Christofle, Lino Sabattini

Located in Buffalo, NY

Silver-plated metal coffee and tea set consisting of four elements (coffee pot, teapot, creamer, ) and a tray. Designed by Lino Sabattini cor Christofle ....Varnished caned handles. ...

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1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Christofle Sculptures

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Christofle Silver Plated "Il Diavolo" Mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini
Christofle Silver Plated "Il Diavolo" Mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini

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Located in Miami, FL

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Christofle Silver Plated Owl with Topaz Heart - New in Box - Mothers' Day
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Located in Waddinxveen, ZH

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Christofle Silver Plated Lumiere D’Argent Owl Figurine

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Located in Guaynabo, PR

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Christofle, France Silver Plated Rooster Sculpture/Figurine
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Located in Guaynabo, PR

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Art Deco Set of 12 Silvered Animal Knife Rests Sandoz for Gallia Christofle 1930
Art Deco Set of 12 Silvered Animal Knife Rests Sandoz for Gallia Christofle 1930

Art Deco Set of 12 Silvered Animal Knife Rests Sandoz for Gallia Christofle 1930

By Christofle

Located in Antwerp, BE

A set of 12 Art Deco silver plated animal knife rests by Sandoz for Gallia in original case and with original paper, France, 1930. Size of the case: H. 4 cm x L. 32 x. W. 28 cm. H...

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Christofle Lumiere Collection Fish Figurine
Christofle Lumiere Collection Fish Figurine

Christofle Lumiere Collection Fish Figurine

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H 1.75 in W 1 in D 3.125 in

Christofle Lumiere Collection Fish Figurine

By Christofle

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Christofle Lumiere collection fish figurine with black onyx eyes, realistic pierced scale body and fins. Measures: 3.125 x 1.75 inches. Full Christofle m...

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Antique 19th Century French Solid Silver Statue, Christofle, Paris, circa 1860
Antique 19th Century French Solid Silver Statue, Christofle, Paris, circa 1860

Antique 19th Century French Solid Silver Statue, Christofle, Paris, circa 1860

By Christofle

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Description Antique 19th Century French monumental solid silver prize statue, standing on on a turned ebonized base, the statue realistically modelled as a cast female figure, hol...

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1850s French Antique Christofle Sculptures

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Silver

Christofle sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Christofle sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Christofle sculptures, although silver editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sculptures by Christofle were created in the mid-century modern style in france during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sculptures by François-Raoul Larche, Émile Pinedo, and Adrien Étienne Gaudez. Prices for Christofle sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,550 and can go as high as $74,152, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $12,650.
Questions About Christofle Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Christofle is made in France. This company is renowned for its luxury tableware and flatware and has been based in Paris, France since it was founded in 1830. Browse a collection of authentic Christofle pieces from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To identify a Christofle, examine it closely in search of the maker's marks. Prior to 1935, Christofle typically marked its silverware with a balance and the initials “OC.” Later pieces will generally display a chess piece with the same initials. Examples of these marks are available on the official Christofle website for you to compare to the markings on your piece. For further assistance making an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silver wares.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Christofle is known for designing luxury silverware and tableware. 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. 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 the roots of founder Charles Christofle, who got his start as a copper jeweler apprentice. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of Christofle pieces.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Yes, Christofle is real silver. The French silversmith produces pieces out of sterling silver that are roughly 93% pure silver and 7% copper. In addition, Christofle offers silver-plate items, which have a thin layer of 99.9% fine silver over a base metal. Explore a selection of Christofle silver wares on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To identify Christofle cutlery, look for maker’s marks. Depending on the age of your piece, the marking may be "GC," "CC" or "Christofle." Alternately, pieces from the Gallia line may only say "Gallia." If you wish to learn the style name of your silverware, compare it to images shared by trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of assistance. Explore a diverse assortment of Christofle silverware on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify Christofle silverware, first find its maker's mark. On pieces produced before 1935, you'll normally find a balance stamp along with the initials “OC.” Later pieces show a chess piece along with the “OC” initials. The official Christofle website has a reference page with images of its various markings that can assist with the identification process. To determine what pattern your silverware is, examine images posted in identification guides found on various trusted online resources. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can also be of help in identifying Christofle silverware. Explore a large collection of Christofle silver on 1stDibs.