Christofle Art Deco Tea & Coffee Service – Luc Lanel c. 1936 Silver Plate and Rosewood

A rare and exceptional French Art Deco silver-plated and rosewood tea and coffee service on matching tray, designed by Luc Lanel for Christofle, circa 1936. 

This magnificent five-piece ensemble perfectly embodies the avant-garde spirit of French Modernism and Cubism, showcasing severe geometric architecture, faceted silhouettes, and streamlined industrial contours characteristic of the mid-1930s. 

The complete service comprises a coffee pot, teapot, milk jug, and sugar bowl, all featuring iconic carved solid rosewood (palisander) handles and hexagonal geometric finials, presented on the original monumental octagonal tray with integrated rosewood grips. Each piece bears the official Christofle master hallmarks and maker's marks on the base.

Maker: Christofle, France
Designer: Luc Lanel
Period: Art Deco / Cubist Modernism (circa 1936)
Medium: Heavy silver plate, solid rosewood (palisander)

The set comprises:
• Coffee Pot — Height: 15 cm (5.9 inches) | Width (spout to handle): 20 cm (7.9 inches)
• Teapot — Height: 13 cm (5.1 inches) | Width (spout to handle): 22 cm (8.7 inches)
• Milk Jug — Height: 7.5 cm (3.0 inches) | Width: 13 cm (5.1 inches)
• Sugar Bowl — Height: 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) | Width: 17 cm (6.7 inches)
• Tray — Length: 51 cm (20.1 inches) | Width: 40 cm (15.7 inches)

Total weight: 4.8 kg (Substantial, high-quality presence)

Condition: Very good vintage condition. The silver plating retains a beautiful bright shine. Interiors are exceptionally clean. The tray shows a small, minor mark consistent with age and gentle use. Detailed condition report available upon request.

Literature & Provenance:
This avant-garde service relates directly to the celebrated 1930s modernist designs by Luc Lanel for Christofle (model numbers a-818–a-822, appearing in the historic 1937 Christofle sales catalogue no. 34, p. 18). A variant of this important design was famously exhibited at the prestigious Milan Triennale in 1940. 

Reference Literature: 
• "Art et Technique. Orfèvrerie Christofle", sales cat. no. 34, Paris 1937, cover and p. 18.
• "Centenaire de l'Orfèvrerie Christofle", Paris 1941, pl. for p. 24.
• H. Bouilhet and M. Raïssac: "150 ans d'orfèvrerie", Paris 1981, ill. p. 240.