Gustave Odiot Paris Sterling Silver Decorative Bowl, 19th Century

Description

Turn of the 19th Century sterling silver decorative bowl designed by Odiot, Paris. Rounded shape resting on a floral pedestal … more Turn of the 19th Century sterling silver decorative bowl designed by Odiot, Paris. Rounded shape resting on a floral pedestal with an "HD" monogram engraved on the side. Lovely raised detailed handles with acanthus leaf decor. The same acanthus leaves also adorn the rim of the bowl. The inside is vermeil (sterling silver covered with 18 Karats gold). Signed underside "Odiot - Paris" with company legal hallmarks and Minerva legal stamp for French sterling silver.
Measurements: 8.25 in. wide (21 cm) x 5.50 in. deep (14 cm) x 4.50 in. high (11.5 cm) - The bowl diameter is 5.5 in. (14 cm).

Note: Maison Odiot was established in 1690, during the reign of Louis XIV by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, considered a fine silversmith.
Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte gave Jean-Baptiste Claude, grandson of Jean-Baptiste Gaspard, many prestigious commissions for himself and his families, such as the sacred scepter and sword and the King of Rome's cradle. Immense dinner services were ordered by Pauline Borghèse, by her mother, and by the Emperor himself.
Jean-Baptiste Claude was influenced by the return of the classical Greek and Egyptian motifs as expressed in the Directoire and Empire styles. Court commissions help further the reputation of Maison Odiot, and the firm provided vermeil services to courts across Europe.
Charles Nicolas Odiot, who excelled in the rocaille style, succeeded his father and became the purveyor by appointment to His Majesty King Louis-Philippe and the Royal Family of Orleans. He was later succeeded by his son Gustave who received the House of Odiot's most important order ever, 3,000 pieces of solid gold flatware for Saïd Pacha, the Viceroy of Egypt. He later became the purveyor by appointment to the court of His Imperial Majesty the Tsar of Russia. Gustave was also the last member of the Odiot family to preside over the company.
Odiot has been recognized as a unique silversmith thanks to the preservation of exceptional know-how, supported by an incomparable collection of molds and drawings, built up over the centuries, based on its prestigious orders.
If Odiot’s story is exceptionally rich, punctuated by encounters with great figures in history, it must first and foremost be a source of inspiration and incitement to the incessant search for the beautiful.
Today, as always, each piece designed by Odiot is handcrafted with the same passion and expertise. Their workshop is composed of a team of craftspersons highly specialized in silversmithing with multiple skills, creativeness, and aesthetic sense.
(credit: Wikipedia and Odiot Website). less