A Christofle Belle Époque Era ‘Contours Japonais’ Pattern Silverware Cutlery Canteen

A Stunning Christofle Belle Époque Era ‘Contours Japonais’ Pattern Silverware Cutlery Canteen <Un Écrin De Couverts>
Twelve (12) Complete Place Settings of Silver Plated Cutlery (61 pieces)
In the Original ‘Orfèvrerie Christofle’ Fitted Case
Pavillon de Hanovre, 33 Boulevard des Italiens
Paris, 1884

Measures:-
45 cm wide x 27.5 cm deep x 13 cm high

A stunning, complete silverware canteen service in Christofle’s “Contours Japonais” Pattern, which first appeared in Christofle’s catalogues around 1883. Large and small spoons and forks - including soup, dessert, tea spoons etc. This particular canteen can be dated by its marks to exactly 1884 - the first year the pattern was retailed - and is therefore an exceptionally early example of this design. It would have been extremely expensive and the very height of fashion when it was acquired by its first owner.

The “Contours Japonais” design is a fascinating example of the “Japonisme” of the period - with Orientalist fashions moving towards Japanese inspired aesthetics in the arts, the trend interpreted here through luxurious French silversmithing. In due course the “Contours Japonais” pattern simply became known as “Japonais”.

All items (twelve complete settings and a large ladle) held neatly in their appropriate slots in the original fitted case, lined with brick-red felt. Within the lid “Orfèvrerie Christofle - Pavillon de Hanovre, 33 Boulevard des Italiens, Paris” is lettered in gold. Each piece is beautifully, but discreetly, engraved to the back of its handle with “GB” monogrammed initials (presumably those of the first owner). The brass carrying handle of the case is also hand-engraved with the “GB” initialled monogram.

Each piece of cutlery marked with the “CHRISTOFLE” poinçon de maître stamp in rectangular cartouche and with the oval Charles Christofle silver plate “CC” poinçon carré mark with four stars above a set of scales, above small bee on a branch all within in a square punched box. The manufacturing numbers “84” to the centre confirming the  year of production as “1884”.

Excellent condition. The plate still sound, with no bleeding and only very light wear. Well presented in the original box with its fabulous brick-red felt fitted interior. Suitable bone-handled knives could easily be sourced to complement this canteen.