Musée d'Orsay Features Christofle Lotus Box from Decorative Arts Collection
The Facts
The Musée d'Orsay in Paris holds a copper box by the House of Christofle & Cie, dating to circa 1910–1913, with a lotus-leaf decoration created through turned, patinated, acid-etched and gilded techniques. The box, measuring 5.8 cm high and 9.7 cm in diameter, was acquired by the museum in 2007. It is currently displayed in the median level of the Pavillon amont, as part of the museum's decorative arts holdings. The House of Christofle is renowned for its luxury silverware and metalwork, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Signal
This object exemplifies the Art Nouveau aesthetic and the era's emphasis on nature-inspired ornament in functional objects. For collectors of decorative arts, Christofle pieces are historically significant, with strong documentation and provenance. The museum's acquisition signals a continued commitment to expanding its collection of French industrial design, which complements its famous holdings of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting. While this specific box is not on the market, it underscores the value of early 20th-century French metalwork in institutional collections.
- Museums: Musée d'Orsay
- Locations: Paris
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