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Direct from Paris, The Birth Place of Art Deco, a Truly Magnificent Original
"Gatsby Era" French Art Deco, 4pc. Sterling Silver Tea Set with Silver Plate
Serving Tray by One of France's Premier Silversmiths "Tetard Frères",
Outstanding Value for Money and No Monograms - Circa 1920s.
The Art Deco movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, left an
indelible mark on various forms of art and design, including the realm of
silversmithing. Among the notable figures in this domain, Tetard stands out as a
luminary whose craftsmanship and artistic vision epitomized the essence of Art
Deco.
The Art Deco movement originated in Paris in the aftermath of World War I,
flourishing in the 1920s and 1930s. It was characterized by its embrace of
modernity, geometric forms, luxurious materials, and bold designs. This
aesthetic permeated various spheres of artistic expression, from architecture
and interior design to fashion and fine arts. Silversmithing, too, experienced a
renaissance during this period, with artisans pushing the boundaries of
traditional craftsmanship to create pieces that embodied the spirit of the age.
Established in 1903 by Louis Albert Tetard, Tetard Frères et Cie quickly
gained renown for its exquisite silverware and jewelry. Louis Albert Tetard,
along with his brothers, Henri and Jean, nurtured the company into a bastion of
artistic excellence. However, it was under Louis Albert's leadership that Tetard
truly flourished, becoming synonymous with Art Deco elegance.
Tetard's designs were characterized by a harmonious fusion of classical motifs
and modernist aesthetics. His creations often featured sleek lines, geometric
patterns, and intricate ornamentation, reflecting the zeitgeist of the Art Deco
era. Tétard’s mastery of the craft, coupled with his keen eye for design,
garnered him widespread acclaim both in France and abroad.
One of the hallmarks of Tétard’s success was his patronage by royalty and
aristocracy. Members of Europe's elite sought out Tétard’s creations for their
palaces, chateaus, and private collections, cementing his reputation as a
purveyor of luxury and refinement.
Among Tétard’s notable royal patrons was Queen Marie of Romania, who
commissioned several pieces from the silversmith for her royal residences.
Tétard’s ability to cater to the tastes of royalty underscores his versatility
as an artisan, capable of creating pieces that transcended mere utility to
become objets d'art fit for royalty.
Tetard's contributions to the world of silversmithing were also duly recognized
through numerous awards and accolades. In 1925, Tetard participated in the
Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a seminal
event that propelled the Art Deco movement to global prominence. Tetard's
exhibits at the exposition garnered critical acclaim, earning him prestigious
awards and accolades.
At the heart of Tétard’s success lay his unwavering commitment to quality and
craftsmanship. Each piece bearing the Tetard hallmark was a testament to the
meticulous attention to detail and technical prowess of the artisans who crafted
it. From exquisite tea sets to elaborate candelabras, Tétard’s repertoire
encompassed a diverse array of silverware, each imbued with a sense of timeless
elegance and refinement. Tétard’s
mastery extended beyond mere technical proficiency; it was infused with artistic
innovation and creativity. His willingness to experiment with form, texture, and
ornamentation set him apart from his contemporaries, elevating his work to the
realm of fine art. Whether inspired by classical antiquity or the avant-garde
trends of the day, Tétard’s designs bore the unmistakable imprint of his
artistic vision.
Central to Tetard Frères' legacy are its sterling silver tea sets, revered for
their beauty and sophistication. These tea sets epitomize the firm's mastery of
the silversmithing craft and its ability to transform ordinary objects into
objets d'art. One exemplary tea set
produced by Tetard Frères is the "Pompadour" set, named in honor of Madame de
Pompadour, the influential mistress of King Louis XV. Characterized by its
graceful curves and ornate embellishments, the Pompadour tea set exemplifies the
opulence of the Rococo style while showcasing Tetard Frères' impeccable
craftsmanship. Another notable
creation is the "Art Deco" tea set, which reflects the sleek lines and geometric
motifs characteristic of the Art Deco movement. Crafted with precision and
finesse, this tea set exemplifies Tetard Frères' ability to adapt to changing
artistic trends while maintaining its signature elegance.
This is an amazing original 4pc. art deco sterling silver tea / coffee set with
silver plate serving tray, dating from the early 1900s and stands as a stunning
testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Tetard Freres. All pieces have
been professionally restored to "Like New" condition and there are no monograms
on any of the pieces. The teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl, and cream pitcher bear
the Tetard Freres sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark in addition to the
French Government's Hear of the Minerva-1 hallmark. The silver plate serving
tray is also in "Like New" condition with no wearing of the silver plate, not
even on the underside. Each piece comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap
for easy storage.
The magnificent coffee pot measures approximately 23.00 cm. high to the top of
the lid, 21.00 cm. across from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the
spout, roughly 10.50 cm. wide at its widest point and weights 854 grams. It is
stamped with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark certifying a
minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Tetard Frères sterling silver
manufacturer's hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for
easy storage.
The elegant sugar bowl measures approximately 12.00 cm. high to the top of the
lid, 15.50 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, roughly 9.50 cm. wide at
its widest point and weights 544 grams. It is also stamped with the French
Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark certifying a minimum of 950 sterling
silver in addition to the Tetard Frères sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark
and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for easy storage.
The gorgeous teapot measures roughly 17.00 cm. high to the top of the lid, 27.00
cm. across from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout, 11.50 cm.
wide at its widest point and weights an amazing 861 grams. It is also stamped
with the French Government’s Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark certifying a minimum
of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Tetard Frères sterling silver
manufacturer's hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap for
easy storage.
The dainty Cream Pitcher stands roughly 8.00 cm. high to the top of the handle,
measures approximately 15.50 cm. across from the tip of the spout to the outside
of the handle, roughly 6.30 cm. wide at its widest point and weights 232 grams.
It also bears the French Government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark, certifying
a minimum of 950 sterling silver in addition to the Tetard Frères' sterling
silver manufacturer's hallmark and comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap
for easy storage.
The sturdy serving tray is silver plated and measures 52.00 cm. in length to the
tips of the handles, 31.50 cm. across at its widest point and weights 1,549
grams. It is also in "Like New" condition with no wearing of the silver plate,
not even on the underside. It also comes with its own anti-tarnish storage wrap
for easy storage.
