Antique French Louis XV Style Kingwood Marquetry Signed Bibus

Description

A stunning, rare fine quality French gilt bronze mounted Kingwood marquetry bibus (miniature bibliothèque). In the manner of/possibly by celebrated … more A stunning, rare fine quality French gilt bronze mounted Kingwood marquetry bibus (miniature bibliothèque). In the manner of/possibly by celebrated ébéniste Maison Paul Sormani; the ormolu signed EE (unknown bronzier).

Exquisite finely hand-crafted Parisian work, exceptionally executed in timeless Louis XV taste, dating to the second half of the 19th / possibly very early 20th century, featuring an elegantly shaped sculptural kidney bean form with smooth rounded corners, flanking a central open cabinet bookshelf niche originally intended to display the family heirloom Bible.

An extremely rare example, most likely one-of-a-kind, very fine quality craftsmanship, construction, and materials, having a richly hand carved and sculpted exotic solid Kingwood case with gently undulating scalloped apron, the underside retaining original tool and cut marks, each side and the top showcases the beautiful warm, rich, wood grain and tone with quarter veneer matched parquetry designs, precious woods inlaid fillets framed by delicate cross-banding inlay. Retaining protective fitted glass top, bordered by polished brass rim. Embellished with finely chiseled and chased ormolu mount, all rising gracefully on short slender gently curving cabriole legs, the front terminating in pierced patinated bronze sabots. circa 1860-1905; Paris, France

In the manner of/possibly by/ attributed to Paul Sormani.
Marks: Doré bronze mounts signed EE, unknown bronzier? sabots marked 69. Later marked A5795 in marker to underside. No other obvious markings.
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Provenance/Acquisition:
Acquired from highly reputable auction house Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. Fine & Decorative Arts Showcase Auction, catalog #1318369
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Dimensions: (approx)
22.75" Wide, 11.25" High, 9.5" Deep
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Condition:
Great original antique condition with nicely aged patina. Museum quality. Strong, sturdy, structurally sound and stable, original antique character marks, including fine stable hairline cracks to veneer, minor surface scuffs and marks throughout as is expected with age and evidence of old back leg repair. Wear consistent with age and use.

Delivered cleaned, waxed, with a hand rubbed polished French patina finish, ready for immediate use and generational enjoyment!

Paul Sormani (1817-1877), was born in Venice, Italy in 1817, and was a maker of the finest luxury furniture. His work was described in the catalog of the 1867 Exposition Universelle as: ‘toute sa production révèle une qualité d’exécution de tout premier ordre’. Sormani exhibited in Paris in 1849, 1855, 1862, 1867, 1878 and 1900, and in London in 1862, winning numerous medals. Amongst the items Sormani exhibited at the 1900 Exposition Universelle were a Louis XV style bureau and a Louis XVI style commode both based on originals held in the Jones Collection at the South Kensington Museum. less