Exquisite Quality French Ormolu-Mounted Vitrine Commode Cabinet, C. 1880

An exquisite French Ormolu-mounted mahogany and glass vitrine cabinet, attributed to Francois Linke, circa 1880. Although unsigned, the jewel-like quality ormolu bronze mounts throughout, especially the corinthian columns, and the best mahogany and craftsmanship of the period, confirms our attribution to Francois Linke, who was almost certainly one of best furniture makers of the Belle Epoque period alongside Paul Sormani, Henry Dasson, Alexandre Chevrie...

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...

An exquisite quality French Ormolu-mounted vitrine commode cabinet, C. 1880, attributed to Paul Sormani. A very elegant vitrine / commode cabinet with exquisite jewel-quality ormo...

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). A Vernis Martin Panel 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...