Attributed to Paul Sormani
A late 19th century, French, kingwood and marquetry table de toilette after the model by Jean-François Oeben held in the V&A collection. The shaped top with central floral marquetry panel with parquetry border sliding back above a frieze drawer fitted with easel mirror and side compartments lined with silk, supported by four slender cabriole legs ending in gilt bronze sabots.
Height 28 1/2″ (72.5cm)
Width 28 3/4″ (73cm)
Depth 14 1/2″ ( 37cm)
French
Circa 1870
This table can be attributed to Paul Sormani. For an identical table see Lot 124 Christies sale 8023 The opulent Eye-500 Years Decorative Arts Europe 22nd September 2011 engraved to the lock plate ‘SORMANI PARIS 134 Bould Haussman‘
Paul Sormani (1817-1877), born in Venice, was a Parisian maker of fine ‘meubles de luxe’, and established the firm in 1847 at 7, Cimetière Saint-Nicholas in Paris, moving to 114, Rue du Temple in 1854, and in 1867 to 10, rue Charlot.
Exhibiting at the International Exhibitions in Paris in 1849, 1855, 1867, 1878 and 1900, also in London in 1862, winning numerous medals. His work was described in the 1867 Exposition Universelle as: ‘toute sa production révèle une qualité d’exécution de tout premier ordre’ (all its production reveals a quality of execution’).
After his death in 1877 his wife & son, Paul-Charles, took over the business moving to 134 Boulevard Haussmann. Pieces from this period are usually signed ‘Veuve Sormani & Fils’.
£ 5250