Orfevrerie Gallia - Large Baluster-shaped silver-plated and worn gilded Vase - France, c. 1900

This large baluster-shaped vase was made around 1900 by the Orfevrerie Gallia, a French silversmith founded by Christofle and led by Felix Cheron. The vase is of a large size and was once composed of silver-plated metal with a gilded layer on top. The gold leaf has now partly worn off, leaving the whole with a beautiful faded patina of dark silver and gold.

Decorated in the Régence style with garlands, acanthus leaf and rastered pattern.

High: 39cm
Width: 22x20cm

Marked on the base with [Gallia][5940][C-Cat's head-C]

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In 1896, the Gallia metal alloy was patented by Felix Cheron, then director of Manufacture de L'Alfenide. This silversmith had been incorporated by Christofle in 1888. In the early years the line of Gallia products operated independently of Christofle, and in the Art Nouveau period many of the items produced here became a great success. Later, in the 1930's, the Gallia line was fully incorporated by Christofle. This vase dates from the early years of Gallia's production; the period 1900-1920.