Direct from Paris, a magnificent 5pc. antique French vermeil (gold plated sterling silver) tea set by one of France’s premier silversmiths “Henin Freres” in excellent condition and complete with 5 individual anti-tarnish storage wraps for easy storage. The name Henin Frères holds a prestigious place in the history of French silversmithing, synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, exquisite design, and enduring quality. Founded in the mid-19th century, Henin Frères became one of the most respected and celebrated silversmiths in France, leaving an indelible mark on the world of luxury silverware. Their creations, particularly their vermeil tea sets, are renowned for their elegance and refinement, showcasing the pinnacle of French artistry in silver.
Henin Frères was established in 1875 by Jean-Pierre and François Henin, two brothers who were born into a family with a long-standing tradition of silversmithing. From its inception, Henin Frères was committed to producing silverware of the highest quality, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. The workshop quickly gained a reputation for excellence, attracting the attention of discerning clients both in France and abroad. The brothers' meticulous attention to detail and their ability to create intricate, yet harmonious, designs set them apart from their contemporaries.
At the heart of Henin Frères' success was their unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Every piece of silverware that emerged from their workshop was a testament to the brothers' dedication to their craft. They employed only the finest materials, including sterling silver and vermeil, and adhered to the highest standards of workmanship. Henin Frères' silverware was characterized by its exceptional attention to detail. The brothers were known for their ability to create intricate patterns and motifs, often inspired by nature, mythology, and classical art. These designs were meticulously hand-engraved or chased onto the surface of the silver, resulting in pieces that were as much works of art as they were functional objects as can be seen in this magnificent 5pc. vermeil tea set. The Henin brothers' mastery of these techniques allowed them to create silverware that was both visually stunning and technically precise.
One of the hallmarks of Henin Frères' craftsmanship was their ability to create seamless, harmonious designs that balanced form and function. Their silverware was not only beautiful but also practical, designed to be used and cherished for generations. The brothers paid close attention to the ergonomics of their pieces, ensuring that handles, lids, and spouts were perfectly proportioned and comfortable to use. This combination of aesthetic beauty and practicality made Henin Frères' silverware highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Another defining feature of Henin Frères' craftsmanship was their expertise in working with vermeil, a technique that involves gilding sterling silver with a layer of gold. The brothers were particularly skilled in this art, creating vermeil pieces that were rich in color and lustrous in appearance. Their vermeil tea sets, in particular, were highly prized for their opulence and elegance, embodying the luxury and refinement of the Belle Époque era.
Henin Frères' exceptional craftsmanship did not go unnoticed by their peers and the wider artistic community. Over the course of their career, the brothers received numerous awards and accolades, cementing their reputation as one of the finest silversmiths in France. Henin Frères' participation in the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris marked a turning point in their career. The brothers were awarded a silver medal for their outstanding silverware, a recognition that brought them widespread acclaim and opened doors to new opportunities. This success was followed by further accolades at subsequent exhibitions, including the 1889 Exposition Universelle, where they were awarded a gold medal for their vermeil tea sets.
One of the most significant factors in Henin Frères' rise to prominence was their association with the French aristocracy and royalty. The brothers' exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail made their silverware highly desirable among the elite, and they soon became the preferred silversmiths of the French court. Henin Frères received several commissions from the French royal family, including the creation of silverware for state banquets and official ceremonies. Their work for the court was characterized by its opulence and grandeur, reflecting the prestige and status of their royal patrons. The brothers' ability to create silverware that was both luxurious and refined earned them the admiration of the royal family and solidified their reputation as the premier silversmiths of the French court.
In addition to their work for the French royal family, Henin Frères also received commissions from other European aristocrats and dignitaries. Their silverware was highly sought after by the nobility, who recognized the brothers' ability to create pieces that were not only beautiful but also imbued with a sense of history and tradition. This association with the aristocracy further enhanced Henin Frères' reputation and ensured that their silverware remained in high demand.
Among the many masterpieces created by Henin Frères, their vermeil tea sets stand out as some of the most magnificent examples of their craftsmanship. These tea sets, which were made from sterling silver and gilded with a layer of gold, epitomize the luxury and refinement that defined the Belle Époque era. The creation of a vermeil tea set required a high level of skill and precision, as the process of gilding silver with gold was both time-consuming and technically challenging. The brothers employed a technique known as fire-gilding, which involved applying a solution of gold and mercury to the surface of the silver and then heating it to evaporate the mercury, leaving behind a thin layer of gold. This process resulted in a rich, lustrous finish that enhanced the beauty of the silver and gave the tea sets their distinctive appearance.
Henin Frères' vermeil tea sets were renowned for their intricate designs and exquisite detailing. The brothers often drew inspiration from classical motifs, incorporating elements such as acanthus leaves, floral garlands, and mythological figures into their designs. These motifs were meticulously hand-engraved onto the surface of the silver, creating a sense of depth and texture that added to the overall richness of the tea sets. In addition to their decorative elements, Henin Frères' vermeil tea sets were also highly functional, designed to be used and enjoyed on a daily basis. The brothers paid close attention to the ergonomics of their pieces, ensuring that the handles, spouts, and lids were perfectly proportioned and easy to use. This combination of beauty and functionality made their tea sets highly desirable among collectors and connoisseurs, who recognized them as the epitome of French elegance and craftsmanship.
One of the most famous examples of Henin Frères' vermeil tea sets is the "Soleil Royal" set, which was created in the late 19th century. This set, which is considered one of the masterpieces of French silverware, features a stunning sunburst design that radiates from the center of the teapot, symbolizing the grandeur and power of the French monarchy. The set is also adorned with intricate floral motifs and classical figures, all of which are rendered in exquisite detail. The "Soleil Royal" tea set is a testament to the skill and creativity of the Henin brothers, who were able to transform a simple tea set into a work of art. The set's combination of rich, gilded silver and intricate detailing exemplifies the luxury and opulence that defined the Belle Époque era and highlights the brothers' mastery of their craft.
Henin Frères' legacy as one of the premier silversmiths of France endures to this day. Their work continues to be celebrated for its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and design, and their silverware remains highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs around the world. The Henin brothers' commitment to traditional craftsmanship and their ability to innovate within the boundaries of their craft set them apart from their contemporaries and established them as leaders in the field of silversmithing. Their work not only reflected the artistic and cultural trends of their time but also set new standards for excellence in silverware design. The legacy of Henin Frères is also evident in the continued popularity of their vermeil tea sets, which remain some of the most coveted pieces of French silverware. These tea sets, with their rich gilded surfaces and intricate designs, continue to captivate collectors and admirers of fine silver, serving as a testament to the brothers' enduring influence on the world of luxury silverware.
This magnificent 5pc. vermeil tea set stands as a shining example of the artistry and craftsmanship that defined the golden age of French silverware. Henin Freres’ work, characterized by its exceptional quality, intricate design, and luxurious finish, remains a benchmark of excellence in the world of decorative arts. Through their vermeil tea sets, in particular, the Henin brothers were able to create pieces that were not only functional but also imbued with a sense of beauty and elegance that continues to resonate with collectors and connoisseurs today.
The elegant coffee pot stands approximately 24.00 cm. in height to the top of the lid, 19.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 777 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the H & Cie. Sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and comes with its own individual storage wrap for easy storage. The stunning tea pot is roughly 19.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, measures approximately 24.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 757 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the H & Cie. Sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and comes with its own individual storage wrap for easy storage. The elegant sugar bowl is roughly 16.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 15.00 cm. across to the outside of the handles and weights 570 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the H & Cie. Sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and comes with its own individual storage wrap for easy storage. The dainty cream pitcher is 12.00 cm. high to the top of the handle, roughly 12.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 221 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the H & Cie. Sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and comes with its own individual storage wrap for easy storage. The massive serving tray measures approximately 55.00 cm. in length to the outside of the handles, is roughly 34.00 cm. wide at its widest point and weights 2,277 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the H & Cie. Sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark and comes with its own individual storage wrap for easy storage.
