Box of 24 Christofle Knives, Chrysanthème Model-Old Marly, Period: Art Nouveau

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Box of 24 Christofle Knives, Chrysanthème Model-Old Marly, Period: Art Nouveau

About the Item

In their original box, twenty-four superb knives from the House of Christofle, the famous Louis XV chrysanthemum model "Marly". The Marly collection takes its name from the Château de Marly built by Louis XIV in western Paris, and totally destroyed during the Revolution. It is for this "country" castle, where etiquette was less rigid, that the shape of the plate "with marli" was created (the marli is the sloping peripheral part of a plate, allowing it to be handled without dirtying the fingers). "I made Versailles for my court, Trianon for my family, Marly for my friends", said Louis XIV. He liked to take refuge in this refined domain from time to time to get away from the excesses of Versailles. The Château de Marly no longer exists but the spirit is still there, a festive, elegant spirit, without ostentation... Period : Art nouveau - circa : 1900 Dimensions : 12 table knives : 25,5 x 2 cm Dimensions : 12 cheese knives : 21 x 1,8 cm Signed : Christofle - Monogrammed : A.M Constantly present in the Christofle catalogue since 1897 under the name of the MARLY LOUIS XV Collection, the Marly collection has evolved over time to become more modern, while retaining the distinctive elements of the Louis XV style, sometimes also called Rococo, such as asymmetrical decorative motifs, often inspired by nature, such as the acanthus leaf or shells. A decorative motif characteristic of ancient Greece, found for example at the top of Corinthian columns, the acanthus is characterised by long, broad leaves, with numerous indentations and graceful curls, allowing for a wide range of creative variations. The Acanthus leaf inspired Greek and Roman artists as well as those of the Renaissance and modern times by imitating Antiquity. Widely used in the Louis XV Rocaille style, it is often represented, as in the Marly collection, in an asymmetrical way to give an impression of movement. A true ode to nature. (Source: Maison Christofle)

Creator:
Christofle (Metalworker)
Dimensions:
Height: 11.03 in (28 cm)Width: 0.79 in (2 cm)Depth: 10.24 in (26 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 24
Style:
Art Nouveau (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Metal
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Seller Location:
CRÉTEIL, FR
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU7814232811402

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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.

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