Lovely Louis XVI Style Plateau and Jardinière by Odiot

Lovely Louis XVI Style Surtout and Jardinière by the house of Odiot.

Called in French a ‘Surtout’, this gorgeous piece consists of a Jardinière and its matching ‘Dormant’ or plateau.
The ‘Jardinière’, or center table if you would rather, was used in a variety of ways in order to embellish the table, by either setting flowers or fruits or other items that could enhance the set up.

It is at the time of the Sun King in the famous work the Mercury that the term Surtout is defined on the occasion of the reception given by the Duke of Orléans for the English ambassador in his residence of Saint-Cloud.
The Surtout is originally a piece of silverware that gathers in the center of the table salt shakers, spice boxes and candleholders. The reason of its appearance obeys a practical reason: the French service and its abundance of dishes and service.
Among the rotation of dishes, only the spices remain. From there was born the idea of creating a fixed space that would become a wonderful pretext for the wildest decorative extravagances for the goldsmiths of the eighteenth century and 19th Century.
A luxury item, it remained one of the loveliest table additions.

This Elegant duo piece shows an important oval silver centerpiece decorated with openwork floral interlacing and dotted with rosettes. A design Odiot would use in many of its luxurious items.
The insert is made of silvered brass.
The Dormant shows the same acanthus leaves and a simple lined design.
Its center consists of a mirror which reflects the jardinière, while the bottom part of the dormant is made of wood.
The work is exquisite and the full effect striking.
Filled with flowers it is absolutely stunning as you can see from the photos…
The silver gallery is in perfect condition.

The height and measures given above are that of the complete piece.
The Jardinière itself measures: 15 1/8 inches long by 10 5/8 inches wide and 3 1/2 inches high with the insert.
The silver weight given is only that of the Jardinière piece. The surtout silver has not been weighed as it is attached to the wood dormant and the mirror insert.

The Hallmark is ‘Minerve’ 1 -1st title (950/1000) – 1838 -1919– Paris

The Makers Mark is for the House Of Odiot.
The House of Odiot is one of the most remarkable Dynasties of Silversmiths in France, starting with Jean Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, and more particularly under the wonderful talent of Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot.
Jean Baptiste Claude was received Master in Paris in 1785 and his mark was cancelled in 1809.
Jean Baptiste Gaspard ODIOT was the creator of the family business in 1650 and was a Silversmith to Louis XV.
After the father’s death in 1788 Jean Baptiste Claude ODIOT had to face the hardship of the revolution years, and was so much impacted by the revolution and the law banning exportation of silver items in 1792 that he had to join the army until 1801. He then re-ignited his career and went on to become Napoleon’s favorite Maître Orfevre (along with Biennais). He created the Coronation Sword and Scepter used by Napoleon. He was also the maker of the Silver and Gold service used by the Imperial Family and even created the Imperial Cradle for Napoleon’s son (the King of Rome), as well as Napoleon’s campaign dinner service.
As one of his first assignment he was mandated by Thomas Jefferson to create several pieces. He went on to acquire an amazing reputation and received special orders from all the European Courts as well as those of the Middle East and India. He was succeeded by his son, then his grandson with the final direct descendant Gustave ODIOT creating a joint company with 2 other ‘Maitres Orfèvres’ in 1906.
During all the successions, what made the ODIOT Name a household name was the amazing talent they possessed that enabled them to be precursors but also to follow and create the trends that would lead the market.
Today the House of ODIOT still stands at 7, Rue Royale in Paris, and their production remains exquisite!

France 19th Century c.H: 5 5/8"W: 22"Reference number: CC-266