Puiforcat

Puiforcat, founded in Paris in 1820 by Émile Puiforcat, initially specialised in producing silver flatware and cutlery. By the late 19th century, Louis-Victor Puiforcat shifted the company’s focus toward high-end silver pieces, particularly reproductions of 18th-century masterpieces, which garnered attention for their craftsmanship and artistic value.

The firm reached its zenith under Jean Puiforcat, who took over the family business in 1917 after serving in World War I. Jean modernised the company’s aesthetic, creating silverware influenced by Art Deco and avant-garde sculpture. His designs were characterised by geometric forms, pure lines, and the incorporation of precious stones and woods, reflecting the spirit of modernism.

The Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia hails Jean as "the most important French Art Deco silversmith," recognising his significant contributions to the art of silver production. In 1942, amidst the turmoil of World War II, Jean fled German-occupied France and relocated to Mexico, where he continued his work until his death in 1945. During this time, he began exhibiting in the United States, further expanding the reach of the Puiforcat brand.

In 1943, the family’s ownership of Puiforcat ended, and the company underwent several changes before being acquired by Hermès in 1993. Today, many masterpieces from the Puiforcat collection are part of the prestigious Louvre collection, while others can be found in renowned international museums, including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York. Among notable collectors of Puiforcat silverware was the famous artist Andy Warhol, whose extensive collection was sold at Sotheby’s in 1988, highlighting the enduring appeal of Puiforcat's exquisite craftsmanship and design.