Large French Silvered Bronze and Cut Crystal Allegorical Three-Tier Centerpiece
About the Item
- Creator:Christofle (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 33 in (83.82 cm)Diameter: 17 in (43.18 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1880
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7386231533162
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Antique French F. Barbedienne Ormolu Bronze and Crystal CenterpieceBy F. Barbedienne FoundryLocated in New York, NYA fine antique French Empire cut crystal round shaped centerpiece bowl with a wavy edge. Mounted in a footed hand chiseled ormolu mount decora...Category
Antique 19th Century French Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Ormolu
- Elkington Mason & Co. a Rare, Important, & Historic Silvered Bronze CenterpieceLocated in New York, NYElkington Mason & Co. A rare, important, and historic silvered bronze centerpiece, with original cut-glass bowl. Victorian period, dated 1859, Birmingham, hallmarked to the base. T...Category
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Centerpieces
MaterialsBronze
- Gucci Italy, a Rare Sterling Silver, Enamel, and Marble Trophy Cup, C. 1970By GucciLocated in New York, NYGucci Italy, a rare sterling silver, enamel, and marble trophy cup, C. 1970 With double GG insignia at bottom and stamped 'GUCCI ITALY 925' along base. Measures: 10" high x 6" wide...Category
20th Century Italian Centerpieces
MaterialsMarble, Sterling Silver, Enamel
- Two Vintage Art Deco Sterling Silver TazzasLocated in New York, NYA pair of two vintage Art Deco sterling silver tazzas, each featuring a bowl mounted to a round base with two curved feet. Marked underneath. Circa the early or mid 20th century. Total weight for pair: 542 g. Vintage Tazzas...Category
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Centerpieces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Neoclassical Royal Vienna Porcelain Tazza SignedBy Royal Vienna PorcelainLocated in New York, NYAn antique late 19th-century Neoclassical porcelain tazza or footed serving plate of kylix shape by Royal Vienna, an Austrian porcelain manufacturer. Iridiscent blue and purple rims and foot with gilt ornaments. The central part of the plate is hand-painted with a female portrait. Signed by the artist on the right, H. Stadler. Blue beehive hallmark, red number 3214 and title Louise Lebrun are on the bottom of the item. Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, 1755 to 1842, was a prominent French portrait painter. Collectible Porcelain Decor...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Neoclassical Centerpieces
MaterialsPorcelain
- Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Double Dragon French Mounted Gilt Bronze CenterpieceLocated in New York, NYAn antique Japanese gilt bronze centerpiece urn or jardiniere with enameled body. Late Meiji period, before 1912. The foot is decorated with sculptural sea creatures. The item has fi...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases
MaterialsEnamel, Bronze
- Unusual Cut Crystal and Silvered Bronze Ormolu Figural CenterpieceLocated in Roslyn, NYVery fine cut crystal and silvered bronze figural centerpiece.Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze
- Exceptional French Figural Dore Bronze and Cut Crystal CenterpieceLocated in Roslyn, NYExceptional French figural doré bronze and cut crystal centerpiece, featuring two mounted cherubs and a swan.Category
20th Century French Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze
- French Gilt Bronze & Cut Crystal Two-Tier Surtout De Table or Centerpiece TazzaLocated in Hamilton, OntarioFrench gilt bronze and cut crystal two-tier surtout de table or centerpiece tazza.Category
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Revival Centerpieces
- Gilt Bronze & Cut Crystal CenterpieceLocated in Atlanta, GAA very fine gilt bronze centerpiece featuring hand cut crystal columns (4). Base and Top supporting oval container. France, circa 1900. Dimensions: He...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze
- Antique French Cut Crystal & Silver on Bronze "Cherubs" Centerpiece, Circa 1890.Located in New Orleans, LAAntique French cut crystal & silver on bronze centerpiece with figural bows and cherubs, circa 1890.Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Silver, Bronze
- Antique French Bronze D'ore Cut Crystal CenterpieceLocated in New Orleans, LAAntique French bronze d'ore cut crystal centerpieceCategory
Antique Late 19th Century French Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal, Bronze