Chris van der Hoef played an important role in the renewal of Dutch applied arts in the early 20th century. As a ceramist, he designed various sets and 21 stylized earthenware sculptures, mainly animal figures, for the South Holland pottery workshop. He also made bronze sculptures and medals. Around 1920 Van der Hoef joined the Gerofabrieken in Zeist as a designer and designed tin tea sets, consumer items and small statues.