? GIO PONTI (1891-1979) FOR CHRISTOFLE

GIO PONTI (1891-1979) FOR CHRISTOFLE
DOLPHIN GALLIA CANDELABRUM
designed 1931white metal, with detachable sconcesstamped O. GALLIA 6092(3)
19.8cm high
Between 1927 and 1929 Gio Ponti worked for Christofle conceiving about 35 designs, including candelabra, covered boxes, ashtrays, cups and vases.  Initially they were not plated, but it was decided they would be more commercial silver-plated. Some designs were then included in Chrisofle’s new Orfèvrerie Gallia range.In 1928 Ponti worked on the Italian room for the 16th Venice Biennale, where he presented his Les Miriors et les Flèches collection also designed for Christofle. Amongst this was the Candèlabre-flèche or arrow chandelier (see lot 51), depicting two horns with a central arrow.  It was created for the marriage of Tony Bouilhet, the head of Christofle, and Carla Borletti, Ponti’s niece.  A variant was also created with a dolphin which went into production in 1931.