A Napoleon III style gilt bronze mounted marquetry inlaid, parcel ebonized and thuya burlwood table box / jardiniere, P. Sormani & Fils, Paris, late 19th / early century, the lid enclosing an open interior with later red baize lining, with applied brass plaque to underside of lid inscribed "Vve P. SORMANI & FILS / 10, rue Charlot. / PARIS". Notes: Paul Sormani (1817-1877), was born in Venice where he trained as a cabinetmaker. In 1847, he moved to Paris to open his first atelier specializing in fine quality French Kings style pieces. Renowned as a maker of luxury furniture, he received commissions from the likes of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. When Sormani died in 1877, his wife, Marie-Philippine, and his son, Paul-Charles, took over the business; from this date onwards, the firm's pieces were signed "Veuve P. Sormani & Fils." The firm closed in 1934.

Dimension:Height 6 1/2in; width 26 1/2in; depth 16in.

Provenance:From a Main Line collection.

Likely a jardiniere reconfigured to a table box. General marks wear, scuffs and surface scratches overall. minor movement to veneers. The metalwork with typical rubbing, toning and minor bending. The brass feet are later added, vacant holes to the underside would suggest this was mounted to a stand or with previous legs/base.