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.
$17,000 / item
H 14.57 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Art Nouveau Bronze Vase by Christofle, France, Circa 1910
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Bronze vase by Christlofle. Brown patina and golden details. Argus Valentine's (2003) "20ème Siècle - Les Principales Antiquités Des Années 1880-2002" p, 113. France, CIRCA 1910.
Bronze
Christofle Gilt Bronze Vase
By Christofle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Gilt Bronze Vase Christofle Circa 1930 This exemplary Art Nouveau vase demonstrates Christofle's mastery of metalworking during the early 20th century. The graceful oviform vessel r...
Bronze
Small Bronze Vase French Art Nouveau, Christofle et Cie by Emilé Reiber
By Christofle, Emile Reiber
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Bronze Vase, chiseled and partially gilt bronze en relief decorated with grasshoppers and wheat axes. The best of French Art Nouveau, Christofle et Cie...
Brass, Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
H 7 in Dm 5 in
Art Nouveau Bronze Mounted Loetz Vase, Stamped Made in Austria
By Loetz Glass
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Art Nouveau bronze mounted Loetz vase, stamped made in Austria', in two parts the vase with beautiful pulled feather decoration. The bronze frame with stylized floral design, stamped...
Bronze
$278Sale Price|33% Off
H 5.91 in Dm 2.56 in
Art Nouveau Brass Solifleur Bud Vase with Lotus Form, Central Europe, c. 1910s
By Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Glasgow, GB
An elegant Art Nouveau brass solifleur vase, produced in Central Europe circa 1910, perfectly expressing the stylised elegance of Jugendstil metalwork and early Secessionist decorati...
Brass
Art Deco Inlaid Bronze Vase by Christofle, France, Circa 1930
By Christofle
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Green patinated bronze vase, with African ornaments and gold and silver inlays. Signed CHRISTOFLE. Exhibited in Paris at the "Colonial Exhibition" of 1931. Henri Bouilhet (1981) “1...
Gold, Silver, Bronze
French Art Nouveau Iris Relief Repoussé Brass Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition This French Art Nouveau brass vase from the 1920’s features a beautifully executed repoussé iris motif, embodying the era’s fascination with o...
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Double Handled Bronze Vase
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period double handled bronze vase USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x 2.75"D x 8.25"H. Good original vintage condition.
Bronze
$4,500
H 7.25 in Dm 6 in
Luc Lanel for Christofle Rare Art Deco Dinanderie Vase in Bronze, France, 1920s
By Christofle, Luc Lanel
Located in New York, NY
Luc Lanel for Christofle rare exquisite Art Deco period dinanderie vase made of bronze applied with elegant gold leaf scroll details, France, 1920s. Stamped on the underside with maker's mark, "CHRISTOFLE" and "211 T." Authenticated with sticker on underside"CABINET - D'EXPERTISES FELIX MARCILHAC 17IA2." “Dinanderie” is a metalworking technique using a single piece of flat metal (copper, brass, silver, tin, etc.), folding it in on itself, and then hammering it into its desired shape such as a vase, platter, or pitcher, without making any cuts, soldering, or additions to the metal. Literature: Dominique Forest et Marie...
Gold, Bronze
Christofle Dinanderie Art Deco Bronze Vide-Poche, France Circa 1920
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
An elegant and highly decorative Art Deco vide-poche or small bowl by the renowned French house Christofle, crafted in the Dinanderie technique and dating to circa 1920. Originating ...
Bronze
Secessionist Bronze Icon Vase by Gustav Gurschner
By Gustave Gurschner
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We do not ship pieces uninsured. We require shipping through 1stDibs, for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services...
Bronze
Jugendstil Porcelain Waterlily Vase in Bronze Mount by Otto Eckmann
By Otto Eckmann
Located in Palm Beach, FL
While there may have been no love lost for his early paintings, Eckmann had an endless fascination for the decorative potential of undulating water. The open spaces created by the me...
Bronze
Monumental Art Nouveau Ribbed Vase by Paul Dachsel for Kunstkeramik
By Kunstkeramik Paul Dachsel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Paul Dachsel was the son-in-law of Alfred Stellmacher, the founder of Amphora Pottery company in Turn-Teplitz, then in Austria. Very little is known or was written about Dachsel. He ...
Earthenware
Jugendstil Porcelain Waterlily Vase in Bronze Mount by Otto Eckmann
By Otto Eckmann
Located in Palm Beach, FL
While there may have been no love lost for his early paintings, Eckmann had an endless fascination for the decorative potential of undulating water. The open spaces created by the me...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Spore Vase attributed to Sándor Apáti-Abt for Zsolnay
By Zsolnay
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Established in 1853 by Miklós Zsolnay, Zsolnay began as a small business producing basic stoneware and earthenware. Ten years later Miklós’ son, Vilmos, joined the company and led it...
Earthenware
Iridescent Art Nouveau Foliage Vase w/Silver Mount by Clement Massier
By Clement Massier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Silver
