Direct from Paris, a magnificent 5pc. antique French 950 sterling silver tea set, Louis XVI model, by internationally known French silversmith Pierre Queille, with accompanying 5 anti-tarnish storage wraps for easy storage. Pierre Queille is a name that resonates with the elegance, refinement, and impeccable craftsmanship of 19th-century French silversmithing. Renowned for his exquisite sterling silver creations, Queille has left an indelible mark on the world of decorative arts, particularly through his magnificent 950 silver tea sets. His work is not merely functional but a testament to the artistry and technical prowess that defined French silverware during the period.
Pierre Queille was born into a world where craftsmanship and artistry were held in high esteem. From a young age, he was exposed to the rich tradition of French silversmithing, a craft that had been refined over centuries. His early training was rigorous, involving not only the development of technical skills but also an immersion in the artistic and cultural heritage that informed the aesthetics of the time. By the time Queille established his workshop in Paris, he had already mastered the skills that would make him one of the leading silversmiths of his era.
The hallmark of Pierre Queille’s work is its exceptional quality. Every piece that left his workshop was a testament to his commitment to excellence. Queille’s silverware is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, the harmonious proportions of its forms, and the flawless execution of its decorative elements. His work reflects a deep understanding of the material he was working with and a mastery of the techniques required to manipulate it. A distinguishing feature of Queille’s work is the precision and skill with which he executed even the most complex designs. His pieces often featured intricate engravings, repoussé work, and chased details, all of which required a high degree of skill and patience to achieve. These techniques allowed Queille to add depth and texture to his pieces, creating a sense of movement and life that set his work apart from that of his contemporaries.
Pierre Queille’s exceptional craftsmanship did not go unnoticed. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and accolades, which served as formal recognition of his contributions to the field of silversmithing. One of the most significant recognitions Queille received was his participation in the Exposition Universelle, the world’s fair held in Paris in 1867. The Exposition Universelle was one of the most prestigious events of the 19th century, showcasing the finest achievements in art, industry, and technology from around the world. Queille’s display at the Exposition Universelle was met with great acclaim. His work was praised for its beauty, technical excellence, and originality. The judges awarded him a medal, recognizing his contributions to the advancement of the art of silversmithing. This award was particularly significant because it placed Queille among the elite of French artisans, those whose work was considered to represent the pinnacle of the nation’s artistic achievement.
One of the ultimate marks of distinction for any artist or craftsman in 19th-century France was to receive the patronage of the royal family or the aristocracy. Pierre Queille was fortunate to have garnered the favor of several prominent figures, whose patronage helped to elevate his status and secure his place among the leading silversmiths of his era. Among Queille’s most notable patrons was Emperor Napoleon III, who reigned over France from 1852 to 1870. Napoleon III was known for his appreciation of the arts and for his efforts to promote French culture and industry. He was a great supporter of the Exposition Universelle and took a personal interest in the work of the artisans who exhibited there. Queille’s success at the 1867 exposition was instrumental in securing Napoleon’s patronage.
Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, was also a significant patron of the arts, particularly in the field of decorative arts. She had a keen interest in luxury goods and was known for her exquisite taste. The Empress’s patronage was highly sought after by artisans, as it could lead to commissions for the royal household and other members of the aristocracy. Queille’s work, with its combination of technical excellence and artistic beauty, was perfectly suited to the tastes of the Empress, and she owned several pieces of his silverware. The patronage of the royal family not only brought Queille prestige but also provided him with the opportunity to create some of his most magnificent works. Royal commissions often required pieces that were not only functional but also highly decorative, meant to impress guests and demonstrate the wealth and power of the royal household. Queille rose to the occasion, creating works that were both opulent and refined, embodying the grandeur of the Second Empire.
Among Pierre Queille’s many creations, his 950 sterling silver tea sets stand out as some of his most iconic works. These tea sets are a perfect example of Queille’s ability to combine form and function, creating pieces that were both beautiful and practical. They are also a testament to his mastery of silverworking techniques, as they often feature complex designs and intricate details that could only be achieved by a true master.
The tea set was a central element of 19th-century European domestic life, particularly among the upper classes. It was used not only for serving tea but also as a display of wealth and sophistication. As such, the design of a tea set was of great importance, and it needed to reflect the status of its owner. Queille’s tea sets were ideally suited to this purpose, as they combined the elegance and refinement that were expected of such pieces with a level of craftsmanship that set them apart from those of his contemporaries. In addition to their decorative elements, Queille’s tea sets were also noted for their functional design. The handles, spouts, and lids of the various components were carefully crafted to ensure that they were comfortable to use and that the pieces poured smoothly without drips. This combination of beauty and practicality is one of the reasons why Queille’s tea sets were so popular among his clients and why they remain highly sought after by collectors today.
One of the most famous examples of Queille’s tea sets is the one he created for the Exposition Universelle in 1867. This set, which was awarded a medal at the exposition, is a masterpiece of 19th-century silverwork. Another notable example of Queille’s tea sets is one that was commissioned by a member of the French aristocracy. This set, which is now in a private collection, is a stunning example of Queille’s ability to combine traditional design elements with a modern sensibility.
Queille’s work has also had a significant impact on the market for antique silver. His pieces are highly sought after by collectors, who appreciate the quality of his craftsmanship and the beauty of his designs. The rarity and desirability of his work have led to high prices at auction, and his pieces are considered some of the most valuable examples of 19th-century French silverware. In addition to his influence on the market, Queille’s work has also been the subject of academic study and exhibition. His pieces have been featured in numerous exhibitions of 19th-century decorative arts, where they have been recognized for their artistic and technical merit. Scholars have also studied his work in the context of the broader history of French silverware, examining how his designs reflect the social and cultural changes of his time.
This amazing 5pc., 950 sterling silver tea set exemplifies the highest standards of 19th-century French craftsmanship. Reflecting Queille’s exceptional skill, innovative design, and commitment to quality have earned him a place among the great artisans of his era. The magnificent tea pot stands roughly 18.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, is approximately 22.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 610 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Pierre Queille sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. It comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The gorgeous coffee pot stand 23.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, is roughly 22.00 cm. across from the tip fo the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 688 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Pierre Queille sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. It comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The elegant sugar bowl with vermeil (gold plated interior) is 14.50 cm. in height to the top of the lid, 18.50 cm. across to the outside of the handles and weights 497 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Pierre Queille sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. It comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The elegant cream pitcher is roughly 13.50 cm. in height to the top of the handle, 12.00 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside of the handle and weights 185 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Pierre Queille sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. It comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage. The massive serving tray measures 64.00 cm. in length to the outside of the handles, 39.00 cm. across at its widest point and weights an amazing 2,400 grams. It is stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the Pierre Queille sterling silver manufacturer’s hallmark. It comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
