Christofle "Talisman" Ice Bucket – Bernard Yot – Silver-Plate & Sienna Chinese Lacquer – 1986

This ice bucket belongs to the Talisman collection by Christofle, designed by Bernard Yot and the Christofle Studio.

Created in 1986, the Talisman collection ranks among Christofle's landmark creations of the late 20th century. It pairs silver-plate with Chinese lacquer in a clean, graphic design inherited from Art Deco aesthetics.

The body, slightly flared towards the top, is entirely smooth with a mirror polish. It is highlighted at the top by a band of parallel reeding that gives rhythm to its silhouette. The two side handles are formed of sienna-coloured Chinese lacquer rods, ringed with silver-plate and finished with a ball, mounted on curved supports. Their warm tone contrasts with the shine of the silver-plating, as throughout the collection.

The Chinese lacquer of the Talisman collection is applied in very thin layers, each one dried and then polished. This craftsmanship gives it its depth of colour and great durability in use.

The bucket comes with its domed lid topped by a ring handle, in keeping with the model. The lid keeps the ice longer and gives the piece a complete silhouette on a bar or a reception table.

The piece is signed CHRISTOFLE FRANCE under the base and bears the house's rectangular cartouche as well as the hallmark with the chess knight and the letters OC, together with the number I, which dates its manufacture after 1983. The words LAQUE DE CHINE, struck under the base, authenticate the material of the handles. The marks are visible in the photographs.

Details:
• House: Christofle
• Collection: Talisman
• Designer: Bernard Yot / Christofle Studio
• Collection created: 1986
• Type: Ice bucket with lid
• Material: Silver-plate & Chinese lacquer
• Lacquer colour: Sienna
• Height without lid: 17 cm
• Height with lid: 20 cm
• Diameter: 16.5 cm
• Width including handles: 23.5 cm
• Origin: France
• Marking: Christofle France, knight and OC hallmark, number I, "Laque de Chine" stamp

Condition: pre-owned piece in good overall condition; this is not a new item. The Chinese lacquer of the handles is in perfect condition, with no chips or cracks. The silver-plating is intact, with no wear through to the base metal. The piece shows a few micro-scratches from use, consistent with its age. Condition is shown in detail in the photographs.

It pairs naturally with other pieces from the Talisman collection and finds its place on a bar as well as in a collection devoted to French design.