Direct from Paris, the birthplace of Art Deco, a truly magnificent original French Art Deco, “Gatsby Era”, 6 pc. sterling silver tea set with serving tray by one of France's Premier Silversmiths "Tetard Freres", professionally refinished to near new condition and includes6 anti-tarnish wraps for easy storage - 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: Art Deco emerged 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 theage.
Tetard’s Art Deco Elegance: Established in 1903 by Louis Albert Tetard, Tetard Frèreset 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. Tetard's mastery of the craft, coupled with his keen eye for design, garnered him widespread acclaim both in France and abroad.
Royal Patronage: One of the hallmarks of Tetard's success was his patronage by royalty and aristocracy. Members of Europe's elite sought out Tetard's creations for their palaces, chateaux, and private collections, cementing his reputation as a purveyor of luxury and refinement. Among Tetard's notable royal patrons was Queen Marie of Romania, who commissioned several pieces from the silversmith for her royal residences. Tetard'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.
Awards and Recognitions: Tetard's contributions to the world of silversmithing were 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. Oneof Tetard's most significant achievements was being awarded the Legion of Honor,France's highest order of merit, for his contributions to the arts. This prestigious accoladenot only affirmed Tetard's status as a master silversmith but also underscored the cultural significance of his work within the broader context of French artistic heritage.
Quality and Craftsmanship: At the heart of Tetard'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, Tetard's repertoire encompassed a diverse array of silverware, each imbued with a sense of timeless elegance and refinement. Tetard'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, Tetard's designs bore the unmistakable imprint of his artistic vision.
The Tetard Legacy: Tetard's influence on French silversmithing endures to this day, serving as a touchstone for contemporary artisans seeking to evoke the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era. His legacy lives on not only through his surviving works but also through the continued appreciation and emulation of his aesthetic ideals. Tetard's contributions to the Art Deco movement were nothing short of transformative. His exquisite craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and royal patronage solidified his reputation as one of the preeminent silversmiths of his time. Through his enduring legacy, Tetard continues to inspire successive generations of artisans to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in pursuit of excellence in silversmithing.
Set Composition: This is an amazing original 6 pc. art deco sterling silver tea / coffee set dating from the 1920s by one of France's premier Silversmiths "Tetard Frères" accompanied by a 950-sterling silver serving tray by "Orbrille". Each piece in this magnificent set has been professionally refinished to near new condition and there are nomonograms on any of the pieces. The teapot, coffee pot, water fountain, sugar bowl and cream pitcher each bears the “Tetard Frères” sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark in addition to the French government's Head of the Minerva-1 hallmark. The sterling silver serving tray also bears the French government's Head of the Minerva 1 hallmark in addition to the “Orbrille” sterling silver manufacturer's hallmark. The set comes with ndividual anti-tarnish storage wraps for each piece.
The majestic water fountain (samovar) measures an astounding 42cm. high to the top of the lid, 16 cm. across at its widest point and weights an amazing 1,902 grams. The stunning teapot measures roughly 20 cm. high to the top of the lid, 25.50 cm. from the outer edge of the handle to the tip of the spout, 14 cm. across at its widest point and weights an amazing 724 grams. The luxurious coffee pot measures approximately 23.50cm. high to the top of the lid, 18.50 cm. across from the outer edge of the handle to the tipof the spout, 11 cm. across at its widest point and weights 652 grams. The elegant sugar bowl measures approximately 15.50 cm. high to the top of the lid, 15.50 cm. wide to the tips of the handles, 12 cm. across at its widest point and weights 483 grams. The sturdy sterling silver serving tray measures a whopping 73 cm. in length to the tips of the handles, 48 cm. across and weights in excess of 4.5 kilograms.
