A collection designed by Mathias Kiss
For Christofle, Matthias Kiss dissects, recomposes - and liberates - the elements of a moulding to create sculptural candleholders, a vase, and candelabras. Revisiting a vocabulary of classical forms, he designs unique decorative objects, slightly surreal and full of character, yet rigorously structured.
Traditionally, mouldings play a role in modulating light, the sharp shadows cast by square edges are balanced by the reflective curves of profiles known as 'doucines.' True to his mastery of decorative motifs, Mathias Kiss imagines a new functionality for ornamentation with its altering projections and recesses. Transforming wall mouldings into sculptural candleholders and candelabras, he breaks, reshapes, and rethinks their continuous lines. For Christofle, he envisions a collection of ultra-contemporary candleholders and chandeliers, rooted in classic design.
Collaborating with a creator allows for disruption, fostering reinvention. The technical and aesthetic singularity of the Perspectives collection by Mathias Kiss challenged Christofle's manufacturing processes and prompted an exploration of new materials. The sculptural approach of his designs proved difficult to execute in silver and silver-plated metal, the traditional mediums of the Parisian silversmith. Consequently, Christofle's research and development team turned to aluminium for its lightweight and high mechanical strength - ideal for the delicate profiles of the candelabras.
While smaller models are cast, the large, fractal designs are assembled using a mortise-and-tenon technique borrowed from woodworking - an expertise of Mathias Kiss which is an integral part of his practice. The brilliant finish, a hallmark of Christofle's style, is achieved through a PVD coating - a vacuum-applied film that is smooth, oxidation-resistant, and heat-resistant.
Another technical achievement is the faceted glass vase, composed of twelve translucent facets of varying sizes and thicknesses. These are assembled using UV-cured adhesive, which fuses the pieces under ultraviolet light. Each vase is then manually. polished on all its facets, a process requiring two and a half hours. The container undergoes fine abrasion to achieve a soft, luminous glaze over four additional hours. The vase fits into its removable aluminium base, an assembly in two parts that facilitates emptying and cleaning. This exceptional object elevates everyday life.
A versatile collection
The Perspectives collection by Mathias Kiss offers a diverse range of items, from exceptional silverware pieces to smaller objects. The elements can be modularly arranged to create dynamic and graphic compositions.
A small single candleholder, like a frieze, 4.5cm high
A C-shaped candleholder, resembling a frieze, 10.5cm high
A serpentine frieze candleholder for two candles, 18cm high
A three-light candelabra, with a continuous molding design, 28.5cm high
A faceted glass vase on an aluminium base, 28.5cm high
A Collector's Edition five-light candelabra, limited to 50 numbered pieces
