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19th Century French Silvered Bronze Mirrored "Surtout de Table" from Christofle

Name: 19th Century French Silvered Bronze Mirrored "Surtout de Table" from Christofle
Brand: Christofle
Price: 9950 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

Decorate a dining table with this large antique "Surtout de Table". Crafted in France circa 1860 by Maison Christofle and built of silvered bronze, the spectacular rectangular centerpiece is almost three feet in length with rounded ends. The decorative table tray stands on stepped square feet, and is decorated with a pierced frieze gallery of acanthus leaf motif over new mirrored plateau and wood parquet; the center piece is further dressed with cone shape finials in four corners. The large Period Napoleon III "Surtout" is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, and adorns a rich silvered finish. Christofle marking for further authentication. A Surtout de table is an ornamental centerpiece displayed on a formal dining table, "a large centerpiece with mirrored plateaus and numerous candelabra and other possible display pieces on top". In French Surtout de table is the usual term for any type of centerpiece, but in English this "tray" type, along with the objects placed on it, is the usual meaning. Evolving from a simple plate or bowl on which to stand candlesticks and condiments, a Surtout de table often took the form of a long galleried tray made of precious or gilded metals, on which a series of other objects were placed for display. It was often made in sections allowing its length to be determined by the leaves added to the table. During the later half of the 18th century and throughout the 19th century, no formal table was considered compete without one. Today, they are still seen and used in the most formal dining rooms. Christofle is a goldsmith and tableware company, founded in Paris in 1830 by Charles Christofle. The company is known for having introduced electrolytic gilding and silver plating in France in 1842. Today, mention of the name Christofle evokes both the elegance of a bygone era and the concept of innovative design. 33.25"W x 16.5"D

Creator:

Christofle (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Width: 33.25 in (84.46 cm)Depth: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)

Style:

Napoleon III (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Mirror,Silver Plate,Hand-Crafted,Silvered

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

Mid-19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1860

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Dallas, TX

Reference Number:

Seller: 232-931stDibs: LU951236768942

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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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