Maison Odiot

La Maison Odiot, or the House of Odiot, was founded in 1690 by Jean-Baptiste Gaspard Odiot, a skilled silversmith during the reign of Louis XV. The firm gained prominence through the artistry and craftsmanship of its founder, but it was with his grandson, Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot (born in 1763), that it reached its peak of notoriety. Jean Baptiste Claude received prestigious commissions from Napoleon’s court and many of the world's most important royal families.

In 1802, the firm showcased its exceptional work at the International Exposition de l’Industrie in Paris, where it was awarded the gold medal. Shortly thereafter, Odiot succeeded Henry Auguste as Napoleon’s official silversmith. He was commissioned to create significant pieces for the Emperor’s coronation in 1804, including the sceptre and sword, as well as lavish dinner services for both Napoleon’s mother and sister, as well as for his military campaigns.

Jean Baptiste Claude Odiot is celebrated as a quintessential silversmith of the Empire style, drawing inspiration from classical Greek and Egyptian motifs. His pieces, often silver-gilt, are characterised by neoclassical forms and figural elements, which were typically fixed with rivets and bolts rather than the traditional soldering method.

After Jean Baptiste Claude's retirement in 1823, his son Charles Nicholas Odiot took over the business. By 1825, he had become the appointed purveyor of silverware to King Louis-Philippe and the Royal Family of Orleans. During his tenure, Charles Nicholas began experimenting with electroplating, a technique he imported from England. He excelled in the Rococo style, incorporating shells, scroll motifs, and richly ornate elements into his designs.

Charles Nicholas was succeeded by his son Gustave, who worked for the firm from 1856 until 1906. Gustave oversaw one of the most ambitious commissions in the company's history: the creation of 3,000 pieces of solid gold flatware for the Viceroy of Egypt, Said Pacha.

Today, the House of Odiot remains active, boasting a remarkable legacy and heritage. Its exquisite pieces are displayed in some of the world’s most prestigious museums, including the Musée du Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, attesting to its lasting impact on the art of silversmithing.