Christian Dior Silver Plated Rope Motif Ice Bucket/Biscuit Barrel with Gilt Accents
Hollowware - Ice Bucket or Biscuit Barrel · Christian Dior, Paris. A luxury fashion house established in 1946 which expanded into 'Maison' home goods during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Twisted Rope / Nautical Rope collection, often styled as Dior Maison 'Corde'. Not currently in active production.
Type
Hollowware - Ice Bucket or Biscuit Barrel
Maker
Christian Dior, Paris. A luxury fashion house established in 1946 which expanded into 'Maison' home goods during the mid-20th century.
Material
Heavy silver plate (EPNS) on a base metal (likely brass or copper), featuring gold-plated (vermeil) accents on the central buckle and lid finial.
Dimensions
Approximately 15-18 cm in height and 14-16 cm in diameter. It is a heavy-set piece designed for tabletop stability.
Description
This elegant silver-plated vessel by Christian Dior exudes late-20th-century Parisian glamour. The cylindrical form is accentuated by a bold, sculptural twisted rope that wraps around the center, pinned by a signature gold-plated buckle bearing the 'CD' logo. The clean lines of the body contrast beautifully with the tactile, maritime-inspired ornamentation.
Key Features
The 'Twisted Rope' motif and the 'CD' branded gold buckle are the primary identifiers. The juxtaposition of silver and gold plating (two-tone) is a hallmark of the era's luxury aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Heavy silver plate (EPNS) on a base metal (likely brass or copper), featuring gold-plated (vermeil) accents on the central buckle and lid finial.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with applied textured decoration. Features a thick, double-strand twisted rope band encircling the body, joined by a gold-tone 'buckle' clasp. Smooth, stepped lid with a domed finial and beaded gilt border.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the underside with 'Christian Dior', 'Made in France', and perhaps a small 'CD' logo or plating grade mark. The logo is visible on the central gilt buckle.
Construction Details
Machine-spun cylindrical body with hand-applied decorative rope elements. The rope is cast and soldered to the perimeter. The lid is die-struck.
Functional Features
Lift-off lid with thermal tight fit; intended for holding ice cubes or serving biscuits/cookies. The gilt buckle serves as a decorative focal point rather than a mechanical latch.
Handle & Grip Details
The grip is a mushroom-shaped domed finial on the lid, featuring a beaded gold-tone base for ergonomic purchase and visual contrast. No side handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays high-end industrial craftsmanship. The soldering of the rope is seamless, and the two-tone plating is precisely executed with no bleed between the silver and gold sections.
Authentication Indicators
Consistent 'CD' logo typeface on the buckle; high-quality casting of the rope elements; appropriate thickness of the plating. The presence of 'Christian Dior' stamps on the base would confirm authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (likely Paris). Manufactured under license or directly by Christian Dior's luxury home division, known for high-quality metalwork.
Era & Period
Vogue/Glamour Era, late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s). Reflects the high-fashion 'lifestyle' movement of luxury brands expanding into housewares.
Age Estimate
Circa 1985-1995 based on the style of the 'CD' logo and the popularity of nautical rope motifs in 1980s luxury design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Logomania' trend of the 1980s and 90s where designer branding became a primary aesthetic feature of homeware, signaling status and fashion-forward living.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The surface shows light micro-scratching and moderate tarnish/oxidation common to silver plate left in open air. No deep dents or plating loss visible in the photo. Needs professional polishing.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD depending on the market. Value is driven by the 'Dior' brand name rather than silver content, as it is a plated piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid dipping the entire piece in chemical baths as it may damage the gold-plated buckle or find its way into the hollow rope sections.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Seaworthy' line; Gucci nautical themed barware; Hermès silver-plated canisters. These alternatives vary by their specific branding and weight of the silver plating.
Interesting Facts
Dior Maison was a pioneer in bringing haute couture sensibilities to the table, and these nautical rope pieces were highly coveted for use on yachts and in summer villas.