In Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is hosting a major retrospective on Christofle, the legendary silversmith that has epitomized excellence since 1830. A tribute also celebrated in Casablanca, where Fenêtre sur Cour is shining a spotlight on this timeless heritage.
For nearly two centuries, Christofle has revolutionized silversmithing while embodying the French art of living. In Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD), nestled within the Louvre Palace, is dedicating an exceptional exhibition to this prestigious craftsmanship, aptly titled “Christofle, A Brilliant History.”
Running until April 20, 2025, this major retrospective traces Christofle’s evolution from its founding in 1830 to the present day. Featuring over 600 pieces of silverware, paintings, drawings, and posters sourced from the Bouilhet-Christofle Conservatory and prestigious national collections, the exhibition unveils how founders Charles Christofle and Henri Bouilhet transformed silver into a true art form.
Through technical innovations, artistic collaborations, and heritage masterpieces, this immersive journey highlights a house of ingenuity that has, over the decades, elevated the art of dining while quite literally placing art on the table. Ultimately, it is a magnificent tribute from MAD, whose close ties with Christofle date back to the late 19th century.
The house of legendary tables
The exhibition unfolds across several themed spaces, each illustrating a facet of Christofle’s savoir-faire. It begins with an intimate look into the brand’s workshops, now based in Normandy and known for their unparalleled craftsmanship. Visitors are then transported into a faithfully recreated 19th-century Christofle boutique, immersing them in an era where exceptional artistry met the tastes of the time, heralding the rise of Art Nouveau and a fascination with Japanese art and naturalism.
Among the iconic creations from this period is the “Fish-Shaped Vase,” designed by Émile Reiber, head of Christofle’s design and composition studio from 1865 to 1878. Inspired by Edo-period Japanese art (1603-1868), this piece has been reissued in silver-plated metal, preserving its distinctive aesthetic and intricate details. Staying true to its Japanese and naturalist influences, Christofle has also reissued its iconic soliflores: the onion vase, the celery vase, and the carrot bunch vase.
Another section celebrates the house’s technical prowess, particularly electrochemical silver plating—a revolutionary process patented by Charles Christofle that democratized luxury silverware. As visitors move through the exhibition, they can admire cutlery sets, tea services, and tableware that have graced the world’s most prestigious tables: La Tour d’Argent, the Normandie ocean liner, and the Orient Express train. The journey also showcases contemporary pieces designed for World’s Fairs.
The Epic “Surtout”
To honor the tradition of World’s Fairs, the exceptionally talented silversmith and designer Jean-Pierre Cottet-Dubreuil has created a one-of-a-kind masterpiece: the “Surtout Ode to Origins.” Undoubtedly the exhibition’s showstopper, this spectacular work captivates with its modernity and scale. Crafted from solid silver, rock crystal, and mirrors, it evokes the genesis of the world through geological forms inspired by pyrite. Measuring four meters in length and requiring over a thousand hours of meticulous craftsmanship, this piece embodies Christofle’s excellence and audacity.
A fascinating historical anecdote: when Napoleon III came to power in 1852, he sought to revive courtly life at the Tuileries Palace to solidify his prestige and legitimacy. His strategy? Lavish banquets. He commissioned Christofle to create a monumental 4,000-piece service, including an elaborate Surtout—a decorative centerpiece featuring sculptures, spice boxes, candelabras, vases, and more.
Napoleon III was deeply involved in the Surtout’s creation, frequently visiting Christofle’s workshops. Delivered in 1856, the masterpiece met a tragic fate in 1871 when the Communards set fire to the Tuileries. Despite this loss, Christofle’s destiny was sealed: in the following years, the Elysée Palace, ministries, embassies, and European courts all acquired their own Christofle sets. A tradition that endures to this day.
The art of reinvention
Boldness has always been a hallmark of Christofle. To reinvent itself, the house embraced a radical transformation in the 1920s, embracing the sleek lines and geometric motifs of Art Deco. This movement inspired remarkable designs, including tableware sets imagined by the visionary designer Luc Lanel.
Christofle also distinguished itself through collaborations with renowned designers. Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti brought an avant-garde vision to its silverware in the 1950s. Later, luminaries like Andrée Putman and Martin Szekely continued this legacy, infusing Christofle’s collections with striking, minimalist designs.
Continuing this spirit of innovation, Christofle’s in-house studio has created a new piece for the exhibition: the “Affinités” water pitcher. A modern reinterpretation of the ancient amphora, it seamlessly blends steel and silver. For those wishing to take a piece of Christofle home, a selection of exclusive items is available at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs boutique, including the “Miel d’Argent” candle and the “Duel de Thé” card game, illustrated by hand.
Christofle in Casablanca
If Paris isn’t on your itinerary, a visit to Fenêtre sur Cour in Casablanca is the next best thing. As Christofle’s exclusive distributor in Morocco for 27 years, this destination for fine tableware and interior design couldn’t miss the opportunity to celebrate one of its most esteemed partners. One of its showroom windows now showcases the exhibition’s most iconic pieces, including reissues of the naturalist soliflores trio (onion vase, celery vase, and carrot bunch vase), the Fish-Shaped Vase, and Christofle’s latest creation: the “Affinités” water pitcher.
To elevate the experience, Fenêtre sur Cour has even set up a Christofle café—a perfect spot for a chic and relaxed break. Savor a pastry and sip a coffee served in Christofle tableware. A delightful consolation prize for those who can’t make it to the exhibition!
Picture (c) : Christofle
