Paris, after an 18th century model by Bernard II van Risenburgh, crafted in the 2nd half of the 19th century, curved oak frame, rosewood veneered, marquetry with various precious woods in the so-called end grain technique, polished in the traditional craftsman’s technique, one drawer, finely chiselled gilded mounts, moulded plate surround, lock stamped “P. Sormani á Paris”. The frame is made of curved oak, rosewood veneered, inlaid with various precious woods in the so-called end grain technique, polished using traditional craftsmanship, one drawer, finely chiselled gilded fittings, profiled panel edging, embossed lock “P. Sormani á Paris”, 72.5 x 64 x 39 cm, in beautiful, expertly restored condition. Subject to species protection (ASB)
Paul SORMANI (1817-1877) founded his company in 1847 and also took over his brother’s business in 1858. Above all, the extremely precise construction, always made of oak wood, was rightly regarded as unrivalled. In 1855, 1862 and 1867, Sormani took part in the world exhibitions in Paris and London and won numerous awards and medals. The company was commercially very successful and employed up to 300 craftsmen at 10, rue Charlot, shortly before the founder’s death in 1877. From 1877, the company was run by the widow Ursule Marie Philippine and his son Paul-Charles under the name “Sormani Veuve et Fils” until 1914. In 1889, the company won the Grand Prix at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.