Antique Paul Sormani Signed Parisian Napoleon III Period Glove Box

A rare and striking antique French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) convertible rafraichissoir wine cooler drinks table by the ébéniste to the Emperor Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan (1813-1892) Crafted by Jean-Pierre-Alexandre Tahan, the esteemed cabinetmaker to Napoléon III, this wine table is a remarkable example of 19th-century European artistry, ingenuity, and fine craftsmanship. Executed in timeless Louis XV style, ebonized fruitwood featuring sophisticated Boule style Queen marquetry with inlays of mother of pearl and brass, adorned with ornate patinated bronze mounts, having a pierced brass galleried top fitted with a cartouche shaped handled serving tray, lifting to reveal a spacious open well with removable ice bin metal liner. Over an elegant scalloped apron, rising on long shapely cabriole legs affixed with eye-screws to accommodate the serving tray converting it to a stretcher style lower shelf, terminating on casters. circa 1860 Signed, retaining the original metal label that reads "TAHAN FOURNISSEUR DE L’ EMPEREUR Paris" (Tahan Supplier of the Emperor) to the interior compartment. Could also be used a bar cart, tea service table...

A stunning period Napoleon III (1852-1870) French hand carved, painted and gilded wall mirror by JB Paris. circa 1850s/early 1860s Born in France in the mid-19th century, exquisitely hand-crafted high-quality Parisian work, using elements from timeless and luxurious historical Louis XV Rocaille style, in typical Napoleon III Second Empire fashion ornamentation and decoration are the focal points. Exceptionally executed, this remarkable antique mirror features a blackened (black lacquered) wood frame with an abundance of exuberant curving shapes, dimensional openwork, leafy acanthus scroll flourish elements, and visually striking profusion of brilliant gold gilded decorative motifs. Surmounted by an ornate sculptural cascading urn scrolling crest bouquet pediment, over ebonized frame embellished with contrasting giltwood fruit, flowers and leaf carvings, bordered by stylized foliage relief running ornamentation, encasing large rectangular flat mirror plate, flanked by a pair of elongated beveled glass side panels embellished with artistic etched glass accents. Signed, the boarded back stamped black "JB Paris" within a circle. Dimensions; (approx) 47.25" High, 32" Wide, 41.5lbs Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (1808-1873) was Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870 under the name of Napoleon III. In a way, the artistic codes of the Napoleon III style — also called Second Empire style — were presented at the Exhibition of 1844, during the reign of Louis-Philippe d'Orléans. He was an important influence on architecture, interior furnishings and decoration throughout the rest of Europe and North America. The Napoleon III style (also known as Second Empire) stands as one of the most unique styles ever produced. The eclecticism of the Second Empire is reflected in the association of past tradition with the development of modernism. It was often referred to as a “style without style”. The Napoleon III ”style” was in fact more of a combination of different styles from past centuries adapted to the modern era in order to correspond to a time of dynamic, innovative transformation. It stands out because there is nothing within it that is unique to itself. Everything, including materials, forms reproduced, and ornamentation used, was borrowed from styles that preceded it. Instead of drawing their inspiration from a single period, the artists and decorators from the Second Empire drew indiscriminately, with joyful exuberance, from all sources. Even so, this style, which is so apparently lacking originality, carries on a recognizable personality and is easily identified. Provenance / Acquisition: Acquired from highly reputable antiques auction...

A rare French Napoleon III Second Empire Period (1852-1870) Boulle marquetry table. France, almost certainly Parisian work, Mid-19th Century, executed in sophisticated Louis XV tas...

A magnificent, large, and original, French three piece mantel set from the late 19th century. The Napoleon III Second Empire period, Neoclassical style antique clock having an urn form finial with sculptural gilded bronze mounts, over architectural case made of the most beautiful variegated specimen marble, with various shades of salmon pink and white, black and silver veining, pierced flower blossom ormolu mounted columns flank the hand enameled fancy dial with Provincial figural scene, signed Guinchard & Martin, Castres, glass door with beaded gilt brass bezel, housing the high-quality eight day time and strike movement stamped AD Mougin...

Paris porcelain box, signed Frogier, Napoleon III period. A Napoleon III period Paris porcelain box, signed Frogier, decorated with a gallant scene. H: 13cm, W: 35cm, D: 22cm

Jewelry box, Napoleon III period Nice jewelry box in gilded and silvered brass (original gilding and silvering), crystal top, Napoleon III period, 19th century. Dimensions: H: ...

Paul Sormani marquetry token box, 19th century. Precious wood and bone marquetry token box, Napoleon III period, 19th century. H: 10cm, W: 36cm, D: 26cm

Our fruitwood jewelry chest with bronze mounts and plaque dedicated to Marie comes from the esteemed Parisian cabinet maker, Paul Sormani (1817-1877). Signed and dated on the brass.