Early 20th Century Art Nouveau French Silverplate Sommelier Wine Tester Christofle’s ‘Paiva Strawberry Spoon’

Art Nouveau french silverplate wine tester Christofle’s ‘Paiva Strawberry Spoon’

By: Chirstofle
Material: silver, copper, sheffield plate, sterling silver, silver plate, metal
Technique: plated, silvered, carved, polished, metalwork
Dimensions: 4 in x 5.5 in x 1 in
Date: early 20th century
Style: Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Modernism
Place of origin: France

This early 20th century silvered metal wine tester by the renowned french silversmith Christofle exemplifies the Art Nouveau style popular in France at the time. Its curved bowl and slender, branch-like handle with delicate strawberry flower motifs reflect the avant-garde aesthetic of the firm by that time. The piece was inspired by the Marquise de Paiva berry bowl, designed for the fashionable Parisian courtesan.

As a brand, Christofle embraced the organic forms and fine craftsmanship of Art Nouveau while drawing on classical french silvermaking traditions. This spoon embodies both the innovative and heritage aspects that defined Christofle’s position as a leading silversmith shaping 20th century french decorative arts. Beyond its visual elegance, it has utility as a serving piece for berries, candy or nuts, or as a wine tester.

On the reverse side, the marks of Christofle can be found engraved along with signatures and the place of origin.