Description

Silver-Gilt Exhibition Tea Table by Maison Aucoc 1904

The Silver-Gilt Exhibition Tea Table by Maison Aucoc, Circa 1904 is a rare and monumental example of early 20th-century French silversmithing and decorative artistry, representing the zenith of technical skill and aesthetic elegance during the golden age of international exhibitions. Created by the celebrated Parisian firm Maison Aucoc, this tea table was specially crafted for display at the 1904 St. Louis International Exposition, one of the most prestigious world fairs of the era, and subsequently exhibited at the Exposition de Liége in 1905, earning high accolades for its unparalleled craftsmanship and refined design. Its presence on the international stage firmly established Aucoc as one of the foremost creators of silver and gilt objects of the period, blending luxury, artistic inspiration, and technical mastery into a single masterpiece.

This tea table is remarkable not only for its exhibition pedigree but also for its extraordinary construction. While most tables of the period relied heavily on gilt bronze, this table is crafted from 95% pure silver, a material choice that emphasizes both luxury and enduring quality. The circular top is inset with a solid specimen of rich green marble, whose vibrant hue complements the luminous silver-gilt framework. Around the perimeter of the top, intricate palmettes and rosettes showcase meticulous handwork, highlighting the artisan’s mastery of decorative motifs and the precision of early 20th-century Parisian silversmithing.

At the center of the table, a capital column rises from a base of stylized acanthus leaves, providing both structural support and artistic flourish. Extending outward, three winged female figures, terminating in lion’s claws, elegantly uphold the edges of the circular top, their sculptural forms seamlessly merging classical inspiration with Art Nouveau sensibilities. These figures, inspired by classical allegorical motifs, demonstrate Aucoc’s skill in integrating sculptural elements into functional furniture, producing a harmonious blend of artistry and utility.

The design of this table reflects the influence of Charles Percier, the prominent French architect and designer whose Neoclassical principles informed much of early 19th-century decorative arts, as well as the Thomire Duterme et Cie firm, whose gilt-bronze mounted furniture set the standard for luxurious Parisian interiors. Comparisons can be drawn between this table and the acanthus-draped winged female torsi on the malachite table made for Russian Prince Demidoff in 1819, now in the Pitti Palace, illustrating Aucoc’s mastery in reinterpreting historic forms with contemporary elegance.

Maison Aucoc, founded in 1821 by Louis Aucoc Aîné at 154 Rue St. Honoré in Paris, became synonymous with high-quality silver and jewelry. The firm expanded into Rue de la Paix in 1835, and under Louis Aucoc’s leadership, it incorporated jewelry design alongside silver production, cementing its reputation as a preeminent Parisian workshop. The firm’s collaborations and exhibitions at major international expositions, including the Paris Universal Exhibitions, positioned Aucoc among the elite artisans of the era. René Lalique, the legendary jeweler and designer, apprenticed at Maison Aucoc, underscoring the firm’s pivotal role in shaping the decorative arts of the period.

The Silver-Gilt Exhibition Tea Table exemplifies Maison Aucoc’s technical and artistic achievements. The use of .950 standard silver, combined with finely chased gilt details and hand-carved ornamentation, ensures that this piece is both a luxurious decorative object and a functional item of the highest quality. Its historical significance is further amplified by its provenance as an exhibition object, a tangible piece of the global narrative of artistic innovation and competition during the early 20th century.

Measuring 39 3/4 inches in diameter and 36 inches in height, the table’s proportions are monumental yet harmonious, creating a commanding presence in any interior. The green marble top, surrounded by gilt and silver ornamentation, provides a striking visual contrast while reflecting the meticulous attention to material selection and detail that characterized Maison Aucoc’s finest works. The combination of sculptural figures, decorative motifs, and high-quality materials ensures that this table is not only a functional piece but a true work of art, bridging the realms of architecture, sculpture, and fine metalwork.

Digital Purchase Opportunity: For modern collectors and global enthusiasts, this Silver-Gilt Exhibition Tea Table by Maison Aucoc can be securely acquired using the world’s most reputable cryptocurrencies. This innovative purchasing option provides collectors with a fast, reliable, and secure method to obtain one of the rarest and most historically significant silver exhibition objects ever produced, combining the convenience of modern technology with the prestige of owning a world-class masterpiece.

This exceptional tea table is a museum-quality piece, perfect for collectors of fine silver, Art Nouveau decorative arts, or historically significant exhibition objects. Owning this table means acquiring a tangible piece of early 20th-century French artistry, a masterwork that demonstrates the height of silversmithing excellence while offering the flexibility of contemporary digital payment methods.

Height: 36 in (91.44 cm)
Width: 39.38 in (100.03 cm)
Depth: 39.38 in (100.03 cm)
Style: Art Nouveau (In the Style Of)
Materials: Vermeil, Gilt, 95% Pure Silver
Place of Origin: France
Period: Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1904
Maker: Maison Aucoc
Signature: Signed “Andre AUCOC Paris”
Design Inspiration: Charles Percier, Thomire Duterme et Cie

“Own the iconic Silver-Gilt Exhibition Tea Table by Maison Aucoc, Circa 1904—a masterpiece of Parisian Art Nouveau elegance, now available for purchase with the world’s most trusted cryptocurrencies!”