Christofle Art Deco Knife Rests, Set Of 12

Name: Christofle Art Deco Knife Rests, Set Of 12
Brand: Christofle
Price: 6850 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

This exquisite set of silverplate Art Deco knife rests adds an elegant touch to the formal dining table. Designed by Marcel Sandoz for the Gallia collection of Christofle, each rest features a unique and charming likeness of a stylized animal, including a lion, a parrot, a panther, a dachshund and more. The earliest examples of knife rests existed during the era of King Henry VIII and were most likely simple wooden platforms upon which a used knife would be placed to ensure table linens would not get soiled. The form known today as a knife rest came into use during the 17th century, but it wasn't until the second half of the 19th century that the utensil would come into popular use. The creations were crafted of a variety of fine materials, including gold, silver, cut glass, mother-of-pearl and even ivory. Seldom do complete sets of electroplate silver knife rests of this number and quality, all complete in their original case, become available for acquisition. Set in original case with silk lining inscribed "Orfèvrerie Gallia" with a rooster motif Rests marked "GALLIA" with fleur-de-lis Circa 1930 Knife rests: 4" length each Case: 1 1/2" high x 11 1/4" wide x 12 3/8" deep

Creator:

Christofle (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)Width: 11.25 in (28.58 cm)Depth: 12.38 in (31.45 cm)

Style:

Art Deco (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Silk,Silver Plate

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Circa 1930

Condition:

Seller Location:

New Orleans, LA

Reference Number:

Seller: 31-82871stDibs: LU891138357532

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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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