PATRIMONIAL SPACE

Christofle holds a very special place in Chalhoub Group’s history. In 1955, Michel and Widad Chalhoub founded the Chalhoub Group by opening the first Christofle boutique in Damascus, Syria. Christofle is known for its exceptional tableware, silver flatware and home accessories - created with elegance, craftsmenship and know-how.

Epitomes of French luxury, Christofle's master pieces have traveled all the way from their atelier in the French countryside to France Pavilion at Expo 2020

For this exhibition, the artisan house of Christofle has curated a beautiful array of home decor, featuring famously celebrated pieces throughout the years.

The Ship Centerpiece, 1997

Modeled by Darko Mladenovic, this silver-plated piece was crafted for all the sailing passionates. Using the oldest technique in silverware, the planishing, the piece mimics the realism of the ship, racing along a turbulent and silver-flecked sea and is a perfect evocation of the world of marine sports.

The Bear, 2016

Designed by Jean-François Gambino, this piece pays homage to the bear: a respected animal in all cultures and civilisations since Antiquity. Skillfully crafted in sterling silver, the Bear is a symbol of royalty, strength and courage, but also of healing, calm and inner peace.

The 6-Light Candelabra, 1855

Forged in sterling silver by the Studio Christofle, this piece was created in 1855 for the Universal Exhibition of London and combines both the Louis XVI and antique styles to create a perfect example of the eclectic taste in fashion during the Second Empire. This piece was then later the Medaillon Candelabra was chosen by the empress Eugénie to decorate her residence in exile in Farnborough, England.

The Como Tea and Coffee Service, 1957

A collaboraton between Christofle and Italian designer Lino Sabattini, the ‘Como’ tea and coffee set was pioneered in 1957, when Sabattini presided over the Christofle design workshops. Crafted in a mix of raffia and metal, the five-piece set consists of a sugar bowl, creamer, coffee pot, teapot and a tray and was part of the Christofle Formes Nouvelles range, an avant-garde collection featuring geometric forms created by a plethora of angular transitions, perfectly representing the style of the 1950s and 60s through a combination of Italian and Finnish design.

The Tea Urn, 1873

A silver and gold plated piece designed by Louis Adolphe Eude, this piece was exhibited at the 1873 World's Fair in Vienna, Austria, demonstrating both technical savoir-faire and aesthetic expertise. The ingenious design of this 1m tall piece allows for 35 litres of water to be heated or cooled thanks to the tube that runs through it from the neck to the base. Adorned with the draping effects and the movement that bring them to life work to soften the symmetry of the composition, and the musical instruments at their feet remind us of the dance and the melodies associated with the maenads. While the maenads have been crafted with lost wax cast iron, the urn itself is entirely electroplated: a Christofle specialty.

The Liseron Tilt Kettle, 1850

One of Christofle's oldest models, this 1850 statuesque kettle highlights the care Christofle has taken in its creations since its very first models and was developed in the 19th century to cater to the rise in popularity of tea and coffee services. This large and opulent teakettle combines appliqué decorations, ridges on the spout and the lid, and lavish details. A floral design adorns the four feet with roses; at the beginning of the handle and the base, one remarks an abundance of foliage, and finally, on the lid, a beautiful bouquet of bindweed sets off the climbing flora of the frame. The ivory handle serves as an insulator and opposes the brightness of the metal through its matt finish, colour, and density.

A true symbol of the French art de vivre, Baccarat has been part of the Chalhoub family since the inception of Tanagra.

From the very first in 1855, Baccarat took part in the Paris Universal and International Exhibitions with pavilions exhibiting pieces of such beauty and craftsmanship that they met with great acclaim and won a number of gold medals. This success provided Baccarat with a solid international reputation and commissions from the greats of the world, seduced by its beauty and perfection.

At the International Exhibition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris in 1925, Baccarat invited Georges Chevalier, who was artistic director of Baccarat since 1916 to the 1970s, to create the decor of its pavilion and to imagine some exceptional pieces. His designs propelled Baccarat into the modern era.

Fascinated by Baccarat’s unparalleled savoir-faire, timeless spirit and innovation, many more artists and leading designers will draw inspiration from the brand’s perfect balance between heritage and modernity to create unique objects like Hans van Bentem spectacular MEDICI XXL vase.

Covered Amphora Vase, 1870

Crafted as blown-molded and cut clear crystal, and embellished with a gilded bronze mount and a marble base, the vase was presented in 1909 during the International Exhibition of the East of France in Nancy.

Medicis Vase, 1909

The Medicis vase was created in 1909 for the International Exhibition of Eastern France. Crafted only by MOFs (Best Artisans in France), this vase is a masterpiece representative of the history of Baccarat. Inspired by ancient Florentine marbles, specifically those displayed in the gardens of the Medici palace, this majestic creation, standing over 1 meter high and weighing 80 kg, is a reflection of the neoclassicism in vogue during the XIX century. The vase, sublimely cut, stands on a bronze base edged with a laurel leaf frieze adorned with the claws of a lion reminiscent of the sumptuousness of the Louis XIV style.

Drageoir, 1891

Another masterpiece first unveiled at the International Exhibition of the East of France, Nancy in 1909, this piece is crafted in cut crystal and is decorated with gilded bronze on its mount and base.

Chess Set, 1878

This chess set is composed by a board of 64 squares in clear and golden red cut crystal on a wheel-engraved board with a gilded bronze mount, enclosed by clear side racks. Unveiled at the Universal Exhibition in Paris 1878, it is engraved with foliage, animal and floral patterns and set in gilded bronze. It illustrates scenes from the Middle Ages, one of the XIX century sources of inspiration. The faces of the figurines are frosted to highlight the finesse of their features and the vivacity of their expression.

Pitcher, 1878

The beginning of new shapes and daring lines, the openwork decanters presented by Baccarat at the Universal Exhibitions of 1867 and 1878, represent a real challenge for the craftsmen of the manufacture.

Diadem Decanter, 1909

A first openwork decanter, composed of a richly carved belly in the shape of a crown, was presented at the International Exhibition of Eastern France in Nancy in 1909. With its perfect curves and its richly cut decoration made of rosettes, the Diadem decanter embodies the absolute elegance of the Baccarat art de vivre of living. A real jewel for the table and for sumptuous receptions.

Ice Pitcher, 1867

A blown pink crystal with a twisted handle, the Ice Pitcher was displayed at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867.

Juvisy Set, 1867

Known as the "Élysée" set since it was commissioned by French president Emile Loubet in 1899, this ensemble was shown for the first time at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1867. Today, this collection, engraved with the monogram of the French Republic (RF), lights up the official receptions held by President Emmanuel Macron.

Bowl, 1937

Crafted with blown-molded and cut clear crystal, this piece was presented at the International Exhibition of Art and Technology in Modern Life, in 1937 Paris.

Vase, 1930

Designed by George Chevalier in blown-moulded and cut clear crystal.

Vase, 1925

Conceptualized by Georges Chevalier, this blown-moulded and cut clear crystal piece was exhibited at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris in 1925.

Paraison Set, 1931

Composed of four glasses and a decanter, the Paraison set was created in 1931 by Georges Chevalier in the modernist mood of the Art Deco years. The avant-garde design, combining materials of Baccarat with the austerity of metal, embodies the genius of Georges Chevalier. Crafted with amazing finesse, the set is composed of four glasses and a decanter, a genuine masterpiece of expertise. The Maharajah of Indore, famous for his sumptuous orders and his exquisitely fine taste, acquired this set in 1933 for his magnificent Art Deco-style Manik Bagh Palace.

Panther, 1937

This sculpture of a panther was created by Georges Chevalier in 1931. The pedestal and the animal are carved out of one block, making it a remarkable decorative piece of unchallenged craftsmanship. Since 1927, Chevalier worked for Baccarat on animal sculptures in pure Art Deco style. This bestiary had a great success and some pieces, such as this panther, are still being made today and sold throughout the world.

As a brand treasured by the Chalhoub Group, Bernardaud's exceptional savoir-faire is introduced to Expo 2020. The brand combines French know-how, innovation, creativity and tradition through the fine art of porcelain-making from Limoges. Since 1863, Bernardaud has been a leader in this craft, combining hand-made artistry with new technologies to constantly push its limits.

Venise

This flamboyant design is inspired by a beautiful Venetian brocade which is represented in a wide gold band of pattern on all the pieces of the service. This round platter is ideal as a decorative centerpiece or for serving tea or coffee.

Kintsugi

This collection was created in collaboration with the artist Sarkis. "Kintsugi" is a Japanese art from the 16th century that fascinates the artist and consists in making visible repairs on ceramics after firing, made with a mix of lacquer and gold, thus allowing each piece to become unique.

Je te mangerais dans la main

This collection was created in collaboration with the world-acclaimed French artists Prune Nourry and JR. It is their hands that are photographed in order to focus on the Man’s most essential “tool” according to them: “Families will pass on an heirloom dinner service that once belonged to ancestors of which nothing remains but a photograph and a few plates. At least our descendants will have the photograph right on the plate!” – JR.

Algues et Poissons

This collection was created in collaboration with Atelier Buffile, located in Aix-en-Provence. Vincent and Romain Buffile have hand-decorated each dish. The brilliance and depth of the famous cobalt blue can only exist on porcelain because only a firing at 1400°C allows the cobalt blue oxide to reveal itself.

Balloon Swan (Magenta) by Jeff Koons

Balloon Swan (Magenta) is a porcelain limited edition created in collaboration with Jeff Koons, one of the most important living artists. The original work, Balloon Swan (2004-2011), is a monumental sculpture, standing over three meters high. The figure of the swan has personal significance for the artist. It is one of the first sculptures he made in ceramic at the age of nine.

Balloon Monkey (Orange) by Jeff Koons

The limited edition Balloon Monkey (Orange) by Jeff Koons, one of the most important living artists, metamorphoses a twisted rubber balloon monkey in porcelain. The original work, Balloon Monkey (Blue), 2006-2013, is 12 1⁄2 feet long and weighs nearly five tons. Jeff Koons is interested in cultural subject matter with widespread appeal like humankind’ s close kinship with primates; the monkey serves as an allegorical figure for universal themes, such as pleasure seeking, play and innocence.

Balloon Rabbit (Violet) by Jeff Koons

Inspired by a twisted rubber balloon rabbit, Jeff Koons' Balloon Rabbit (Violet) is a limited edition made of porcelain. The original sculpture, Balloon Rabbit, 2005-2010, weighs three tons and is standing over four meters high. Why a rabbit? Jeff Koons, one of the most important living artists, says it comes from his childhood memories of his neighbours putting inflatable bunnies in their front yard, around Easter time.

Surface Colorée B29

Precursor of Kinetic Art, the Argentine artist Julio Le Parc is an emblematic figure in the history of art. His art offers viewers a multi-sensory experience in light, colour, energy and movement. The decoration combined with the platinum creates a real interaction and produces the overall kinetic effect sought by the artist.

Parler seul

Making the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró accessible in unexpected ways – this was what prompted Successió Miró to approach Bernardaud. The intense and highly demanding partnership that ensued gave rise to this table service taken from the book Parler Seul by Tristan Tzara. Its 100 pieces use the precision of porcelain to express the painter’s extraordinary freedom and invite us to partake of an undeniably joyous meal.