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.
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
"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...
Bronze
Christofle Abstract Love Sculpture By Xiao Hui Wang In Silvered Bronze Signed
By Christofle
Located in North Miami, FL
This stellar powerful and conversational silvered bronze and sterling silver limited edition abstracted Love sculpture was commissioned by Christofle and designed and executed by a young Chinese woman artist named Xiao Hui Wang. She is a very accomplished and talented artist of photography sculpture, design and media art. She has exhibited internationally and has won numerous awards. Aside from all those talents she is a socialite, playwright, architect and author. This is the first time in Christofle history that a young Chinese artist, albeit a woman was asked to create this commission. She was a very special choice for Christofle. 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 took over 40 hours to create just one. It created 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...
Silver, Bronze, Sterling Silver
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...
Onyx, Bronze
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...
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Bronze by J. Rispal
By Jules Louis Rispal
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century work of art is an exceptionally detailed richly patinated bronze sculpture in the Art Nouveau style. It represents the goddess Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, awakening from her earthly sleep. Her head is adorned with a floral headband...
Bronze
Solid Bronze Male Torso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze sculpture. This piece features the male form. A beautiful display piece for a shelf or paperweight. Signed G. Shaw. Dimensions 4" width x 1.75" depth x 4.25" height. C...
Bronze
Abstract Cubist Bronze Sculpture Signed DN, XX Century
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Abstract Cubist Sculpture Bronze Granite XX Century DIMENSIONS Height: 7 inches Width: 3-3/8 inches Depth: 3-3/8 inches ABOUT This is a brillia...
Bronze
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Erotic bronze sculpture. Austria, early 20th century.
Bronze
$33,397
H 16.15 in W 12.21 in D 14.57 in
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...
Bronze
Grand Tour Male Nude Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Early 20th Century bronze male nude sculpture on wood pedestal base.
Bronze
Zai Wang, Eagle Sculpture, Patinated Bronze, Chinese, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
Eagle sculpture. Made by Zai Wang.
Bronze
$10,000 / set
H 19.3 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Pair of Silver Plate Candelabras Signed Christofle, France, Early 20th Century
By Christofle
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of silver plate candelabras signed Christofle, France, early 20th century.
Silver Plate
$280
H 2.13 in W 2.5 in D 1.38 in
Early 20th Century Dachshund Dog Austrian Vienna Bronze Style Figurine
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Charming early 20th-century cold-painted metal dog figurine, dating to approximately the 1900s to 1910s and executed in the style of the celebrated Vienna Bronzes. Depicting a Dachsh...
Metal
Early 20th Century Porcelain Pig
Located in Barcelona, ES
Early 20th century porcelain pig. Beautifully patinated and crackled creamy white glaze. Quite possibly an old piggy bank, fed through bottom since slot ...
Porcelain
$465
H 6.75 in W 2.75 in D 4.5 in
Antique McClelland Barclay Neoclassical Gilded Bronze Nude Figural Bust Statue
By McClelland Barclay 2
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique McClelland Barclay bronze figurine in the shape of a neoclassically inspired female figure without arms or head, embedded in a half r...
Bronze
Classical Bronze Male Nude Torso Sculpture/Statue
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid bronze male nudist statue. Classical Greek style sculpture. Unsigned. Would make a wonderful sculpture for desk, office, shelf, etc.
Bronze
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.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 10.75 in W 7.25 in D 5.75 in
Christofle Silver Plated "Il Diavolo" Mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
A magniificent silver plated "Il Diavolo" mask by Gio Ponti for Lino Sabatini/Chirstofle. Signed and Numbered. Made in Italy.
Silver Plate
Sold
H 16.93 in Dm 6.7 in
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...
Silver