Gilt Vitrines

This wonderful display cabinet is designed in a ‘Japonisme’ (Japanese) style, which was popular in Europe in the mid-late 19th century. This craze was kick-started by Japan reopening to trade with the West, and exporting Japanese goods—including furniture and decorative art—to Europe. One craftsmen by the name of Gabriel Viardot (1830-1906) established a name for himself in France producing Chinese and Japanese style furniture...

A French Louis XVI Style "Belle Époque" Mahogany and gilt bronze Mounted Sever Exhibition Vitrine with Marble Top. The three-sided cabinet with twin front glass doors below a pair of apron drawers, the interior with a single curved glass shelf...

This unusual cabinet, though plainly Art Nouveau, pays homage to Louis XV. It is bombe, with gently swelling sides and front. This ebeniste really knew his trade, the drawer fronts a...

The splendid showcase vitrine, made of solid wood, dates back to the end of the 19th century. Made in France by a master cabinet maker of great ability, it’s in Louis XVI style. The ...

An elegant Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted mahogany vitrine attributed to Maison Krieger. The bombé front door opening to two glass shelves, flanked by convex glazed sides and r...

A very good quality pair of late 19th century French mahogany bow fronted display cabinets, each with a gallery to the top, gilded ormolu foliate and molded mounts, central doors with a glass shelf within, a frieze drawer above a shelf beneath with a paneled back and raised on elegant cabriole legs. Signed; Paul Sormani (1817-1877), one the most important cabinetmakers of the 19th century, was born in Venice. Having trained as a cabinetmaker, he moved to Paris where he opened his first shop in 1847 specializing in furniture made in the Louis XV and Louis XVI style. When she decorated her palace, Empress Eugenie, the wife of Emperor Napoleon III, who was particularly fond of furniture in the 18th century styles, engaged Sormani to create spectacular pieces to compliment her period examples. Sormani was able to meet the Empress’s high standards with the excellent quality of the cabinet work, bronze mounts, use of lacquer and unusual marbles. Sormani’s firm was a maker of fine “meubles de luxe”, (deluxe furniture) whose work was described in the 1867 Exposition Universelle catalogue as “toute sa production revele une qualite d’execution de tout premier ordre”. He received a medal of premiere classe at the Exposition Universelle of 1855, followed by another medal at the 1862 exposition in London The workshop also made eclectic furniture...

A very large and impressive fine quality 19th century French mahogany Virine, in the style of Louis XVI by 'Francoise Linke'. Having wonderful gilded ormolu mounts of scrolling foli...

This elegant 19th century French vitrine is designed in the manner of Louis XV, with flowing decorative ormolu trim that accents the highly polished veneer. A framed beveled glass li...

Solid beech wood with plastically carved paws feet. Multiple scalloped frame, above cambered, vierschübiges body framed by solid corner glazing. Three-sided glazed, one-door showcase...

A very good quality late 19th century French mahogany free standing oval vitrine, having a gilded ormolu gallery to the top and foliate mounts to the pelm...

A very imposing French 19th Century Walnut, ormolu mounted vitrine / display cabinet. Having an arched egg and dart molded glazed door, opening to reveal a glass shelf and mirror bac...

A great quality late 19th century louis xv style gilt bronze mounted kingwood vitrine. By François Linke - Varient of Index Number 38 and 1122. Surmounted by a Brèche d'Alep ma...

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style ormolu mounted plum pudding mahogany veneer, mahogany and Vernis Martin decorated vitrine à Deux Corps, probably by François Linke (1855-1946). The lower structure fitted with finely chased gilt-bronze mounts with female masks, musical instruments, floral drapes, bows and acanthus, centred with a frieze drawer and a cupboard door with three painted panels. The centre front painted panel with a Romantic courting park setting scene amongst sheep and a sculpture fountain of Putti; the side panels both with parks scenes of a resting lion sculpture and fountain flanked by grassing sheep. The lower cabinet interior with three drawers, the upper vitrine case with two glass shelves, a bowed beveled front door and sides, crowned with a fine gilt-bronze wreath mount with ribbons, all raised on four cabriolet legs with cast lion paw mounts. Unsigned, Paris, circa 1890-1900. The style of this cabinet is closely related to those produced in the Paris furniture making trade in the Faubourg Saint-Antoine in the 1880s and as such, without a signature or identifying mark, is unattributable. However, there are similarities with the firm Raoux et Brunet, some of whose mounts were designed by Léon Messagé and later used by François Linke. Indeed many of the mounts on this cabinet, whilst not exclusive to him, are very similar to the work produced in his early years in Paris in the 1880s. At this time Linke was making furniture to order...

A very good quality large and imposing 19th century French vitrine, in the style of Louis XVI. Having wonderful gilded ormolu plume and foliate mounts, serpentine glazed doors to the...

A fine gilt-bronze mounted mahogany table vitrine by Georges-Francois Alix. French, circa 1890. Stamped to the underside and to the reverse of th...

A great quality late 19th century Louis xvi style gilt bronze-mounted vitrine. By François Linke. The rectangular paneled top with three-quarter gallery, above a conforming ent...

These wonderful vitrines (display cabinets) were created in France in the early 20th century. They are designed in an elegant Art Nouveau style which was in vogue in this period. ...

A fine Louis XVI style gilt bronze mounted mahogany vitrine, by Alfred Louis Beurdeley. French, circa 1880. Stamped to the carcass ‘A. Beurdeley à Paris’. This fine mahogany...

A very good quality late 19th century French parquetry inlaid vitrine / display cabinet. Having its original Carrera marble top, wonderful gilded ormolu mounts of scrolling foliate ...

A fine French, 19th-20th century Louis XV style mahogany and gilt bronze-mounted Vitrine by Haentges Freres. The single door cabinet surmounted with or...

A very fine French Louis XV style ormolu and jasperware-mounted mahogany single door vitrine, attributed to François Linke (1855-1946). The two upper front corners surmounted with or...

Attributed to Francois Linke, this fine Louis XV style kingwood vitrine features ormolu mounts, an oval jasperware plaque, and retains it's original marble top. The vitrine is from t...

A fine French 19th century Louis XVI style mahogany and ormolu mounted two-tier vitrine cabinet. The upper section with a single glass front door below a pierced gilt-bronze floral r...

Venetian trumeau from 20th century. Double body cabinet in lacquered, gilded and painted wood with floral decorations of great pleasure. Trumeau for living room with three external d...

A very fine and large French 19th-20th century Louis XV style mahogany and ormolu-mounted Vitrine cabinet with a Veined Mint green marble top, attributed to Georges-François Alix...

A Fine Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Mounted Table Vitrine by François Linke. French, circa 1900. Linke Index Number 131. The lockplate signed 'F.Linke', the mounts variousl...

A fine French 19th-20th century kingwood and tulipwood marquetry and gilt-bronze mounted vitrine, in the manner of François Linke (1855-1946). The slender single door display cabinet with a red-velvet backing and bowed glass panels surmounted with acanthus and floral gilt-bronze mounts in the style of Léon Messagé (French, 1842-1901), the serpentine shaped front door with an ornate marquetry and ink colored panel depicting wreaths, ribbons and tied acantus leaves, all raised on four cabriolet legs ending with gilt-bronze paw-feet, Paris, circa 1900. Linke was born on 17 June 1855 in the small village of Pankraz, in what is now the Czech Republic. Records show that Linke served an apprenticeship with the master cabinet maker, Neumann, which he completed in 1877. Linke’s work book or Arbeits-Buch records that he was in Vienna from July 1872 to October 1873 at the time of the International Exhibition held there in 1873. He subsequently travelled to Prague, Budapest & Weimar before finally arriving in Paris in 1875. It is documented that he obtained employment with an unknown German cabinetmaker in Paris, and stylistic similarities, photographs and geographical proximity have led some to suggest that Emmanuel Zwiener was the most likely candidate. After a period back in his home town of Pankratz, he returned once and for all to Paris in 1877. In 1878 Paris hosted the third great International Exhibition, a remarkable success for a country ravaged by war only seven years earlier. It is known that the fledgling Linke workshops were active in the Faubourg St. Antoine as early as 1881, during this time he supplied furniture for other more established makers such as Jansen and Krieger. By 1889 another World’s Fair, as they were often referred to in America, took place in Paris. Monsieur Eiffel erected what has become the most iconic building in Paris for the exhibition and the atmosphere of wealth and confidence may well have encouraged Linke to think that he could contribute an important part to the next great exhibition. As early as 1892 this was decreed to take place at the end of the century, in an attempt to pre-empt Berlin from staging the last great show of the century. In 1892, Victor Champier (fr) one of the commissioners for the 1900 Paris Fair had appealed, “Create in the manner of the masters, do not copy what they have made”. It was an appeal against mere reproduction and Linke rose to this challenge in an unparalleled way with his unique display that was to include the Grand Bureau. Determined to outshine the competition at the Exhibition, Linke had set about creating the most ambitious pieces he could envisage, and more extravagant than had ever been displayed before. The items he exhibited marked a transition from the historicist interpretation of Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, an interpretation that was the mainstay of his nearest rivals, to something startlingly new and vital in its immediacy. [6] Together with Léon Messagé he developed a new style for the 1900 Exhibition that paid homage to the Louis XV rococo in the fluidity of its approach, but an approach fused with the lively flowing lines of the contemporary and progressive 'art nouveau'. The Art Journal reported in 1900 on Linke's stand: "The work of M. Linke ... was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke's work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed". Linke's stand would have appeared refreshingly new to contemporary onlookers, the traditional designs of the eighteenth century melting seamlessly into an exuberant naturalism. The 'Revue' described Linke's style as 'entièrement nouveaux' and noted "This opinion is universally accepted. Linke's stand is the biggest show in the history of art furniture in the year 1900". It is perhaps the most extraordinary and remarkable aspect of Linke’s personal history that he produced such expensive and luxurious furniture of exquisite quality for the 1900 exhibition without any commission or any potential buyer in mind. [9] At a time when other more established furniture businesses such as those of Beurdeley and Dasson were closing down, he made a huge investment in his stand and the furniture he supplied for it. Linke recognised that to move his business forward he needed to appeal to a more International clientele and the new emerging rich who were at this time amassing fortunes on an unprecedented scale. For this reason he gambled everything he had on his display for the 1900 exhibition. Had this not succeeded he would almost certainly have succumbed to bankruptcy. Linke’s notebook records visitors to his stand from England, Europe, the Americas, Egypt and Japan and including; the King of Sweden, three visits from the King of Belgium, Prince Radziwill, the Prince d’Arenberg, the Comte Alberic du Chastel, Miss Anna May Gould, the American heiress, distinguished furniture makers and the President of France Emile Loubet. This risky endeavour was a resounding success, and with his reputation established, La Maison Linke became the pre-eminent furniture house until outset of the Second World War. The technical brilliance of his work and the artistic change that it represented was never to be repeated. His showrooms expanded into prestigious premises in Paris, in the Place Vendôme as well as the Faubourg St. Antoine where his workshop had been established. He embarked on many important commissions in the years up to the outbreak of the First World War, making and designing furniture for leading international industrialists and bankers. After the 1914-1918 World War, Linke undertook the extraordinary commission to furnish the Ras al-Tin Palace in Alexandria for King Fuad of Egypt, possibly the largest single furniture commission ever conceived, eclipsing even Versailles. Linke flourished and remained active until the middle years of the 1930s and died in 1946 Léon Messagé (1842-1901) was a French sculptor, best known for his sculptural collaboration with François Linke for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. Messagé was also responsible for much of the design and creative work for Roux et Brunet...

This beautiful display cabinet was crafted by the prestigious furniture company, Maison Krieger. The firm was founded in 1826 by Antoine Krieger. Over the course of the 19th century,...

About as original as can be, this stellar antique only received a minimal amount of conservation in our highly regarded workshop. Constructed of exotic rosewood, the case packs quite...

A superb quality palatial French Louis XVI style ormolu mounted, satinwood, kingwood parquetry and Vernis Martin style paneling three-door raised Vitrine Display Cabinet attributed to Paul Sormani (1817-1877). The Vernis Martin Panels signed "V. Gossen." The lower part of the cabinet with three frieze drawers supported by two square-sectioned on tapered legs, fronting an ormolu mounted parquetry back panel, on toupie feet. The ormolu stamped with the initials "P.S." on the reverse. Circa: Paris, 1870. Height: 101 inches (256.5 cm). Width: 56 inches (142.2 cm). Depth: 20 inches (50.8 cm). Sormani, Paul (1817-1877): Born in Venice, Paul Sormani set up in Paris in the middle of the 19th century. He specialized in creating furniture and works of art and was known for his high quality reproductions of Louis XV and XVI furniture...

A fine French 19th-20th century Louis XV style Kingwood and ormolu-mounted single-door Vitrine, the demilune shaped cabinet with and arched bonnet, molded trim above a bombé glazed d...

A very Fine French 19th-20th century Louis XVI style mahogany and ormolu-mounted four-door vitrine, with two central bombé glass doors and single bombé glass doors on each side, the fluted mahogany...

Rare and important 19th century French kingwood and parquetry inlaid display or vitrine cabinet, signed by the renowned designer and cabinet maker François Linke. The shaped bonnet atop large glass double doors and inset parquetry panels trimmed in bronze. Finely appointed overall with remarkably detailed gilt bronze mounts depicting caryatid masques, maiden busts, shells, acanthus leaves, and fleur de lis. The entire on gilt bronze animal...

Very fine French cabinet by Paul Sormani. Louis XVI design with very fine gilt bronze mounts. Signed P Sormani. Illuminated.

19th c signed P Sormani French Louis XVI viewing cabinet. The cabinet is illuminated and made from Mahogany with ebony inlay. Beautiful first quality b...

Monumental 19th century French Empire black lacquered vitrine or display cabinet. The shaped bonnet with intricate doré bronze appointments above...

Gueridon showcase in polychromed and gilded bronze, France, Napoleon III, about the third third of the 19th century. The small circular table shows a top panel in transparent glass, ...

A very fine French Louis XVI style Belle Époque gilt bronze and carved verde green and parcel-gilt exhibition vitrine display cabinet with side doors, circa 1900, Paris. Measures:...

Impressive pair of French 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze-mounted Kingwood and mahogany marquetry Encoigneurs, corner cabinets or vitrines, attributed to Paul Sormani. The upper section with molded cornice and shell cresting and enclosed by a bowed glazed panel door, the lower section surmounted by a marble top of arc-en-arbalète outline above two frieze drawers and cupboards below enclosed by tambour shutters, raised on short cabriole legs ending in foliate sabots, lock plates engraved 'Sormani PARIS.' Circa: Paris, 1875. Height: 90 1/2 inches (230 cm). Width: 44 inches (112 cm). Depth: 29 inches (74 cm). Sormani, Paul (1817-1877): Born in Venice, Paul Sormani set up in Paris in the middle of the 19th century. He specialized in creating furniture and works of art and was known for his high quality reproductions of Louis XV and XVI furniture...

Early 20th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted parquetry vitrine by François Linke. Index number 458. The fleur de pêcher marble-top above a scrolling acanthus and ...

The vitrine oval shaped, with central hinged tall doors to the front and glazed display all around, mounted with ormolu handles and short legs.

A fine and rare English 19th-20th century Chippendale style carved oak and parcel-gilt console vitrine. The narrow upper two-door vitrine crowned with a carved parcel-gilt peacock fe...

A fine late 19th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted double vitrine cabinet By Henri Picard The vitrine fitted with a nice inset marble top, the upper cabinet with a long single drawer and bronze women busts on the corners. The bottom part with ram heads and centered with cornucopia and a lions mask. Stamped HPR, for Henri Picard, on the back of some bronzes. The important fondeur and doreur Henri Picard worked in Paris from 1831-1884, most notably for the Emperor Napoléon III. He was based in Paris at 6, rue Jarente from 1831 to 1839, before moving to 10, rue de la Perle...

A fine quality late 19th century Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted two-door Vernis Martin Vitrine Surmounted by a marble top above a frieze with scrolling foliage, above two glas...

A fine quality French kingwood, marble topped vitrine having shaped glass to the front and sides. Beautiful ormolu mounts and raised on cabriole legs. The the manner of 'Linke.'.

A Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Vitrine By Paul Sormani Bronze gallery above a centred glass door, flanked by glass panels, four bronze mounted tapering leg...

A late 19th century Louis XVI style gilt bronze-mounted vitrine by Victor Raulin. Bronze gallery above a centered glass door, flanked by glass panels. Raulin exhibited and r...

Pair of Italian painted and gilt hanging glass wall vitrines with fitted interior upholstered shelving, floral gilt motif, and the original wood bac...

The stunning cabinet in the Napoleon III style and of the sam period, featuring inlaid Boulle work panels of brass and fine scarlet tortoise shell, with cast ormolu mounts depicting ...

Unique vitrine by Jules Leleu in mahogany marquetry, patinated metal and gilt bronze Numbered 33774 5697. Provenance: This vitrine was created for Mr. Renondin and is entered ...

66" gilded Mid-Century iron four-tier shelf.

A Fantastic Late 19th Century Gilt Bronze Mounted Louis XVI Style Vitrine By Victor Raulin A center glass door with three shelves, quartered veneer bottom and sides. Stamped Rauli...

A monumental antique Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted vitrine cabinet by Manoy of Brussels. This large and impressive vitrine features marquetry inlays, four glazed doors and exten...

A spectacular large French Napoleon III ormolu mounted showcase by Charles-Guillaume Diehl, and Helene Bertaux. Each one of the three glazed doors mounted with a relief-cast oval plaque depicting flying putti and a lady in various positions, flanked by acanthus leaves and ribbons. The shoulders mounted with female espagnolettes, topped with a gilt bronze bust of a lady. Lock plate signed DIEHL/19. R. Michel-le-Comte/PARIS The plaques by Helene Bertaux (Madame Leon Bertaux...

Pair of Italian painted and gilt vitrines with hinged glass tops, carved intertwined decorative floral vine motif, corner floral medallions, and terminating on bulbous fluted legs su...

A quite unusual 19th century English, 18th century style, chinoiserie pagoda shaped giltwood and black lacquered vitrine/display cabinet/showcase...

A vitrine cabinet in the Louis XV Vernis Martin manner Constructed in kingwood, richly dressed with finely cast and chased ormolu mounts, and...