Paul Sormani Games Box (1817 – 1866)

PAUL SORMANI GAMES BOX (1817 – 1866) Beautiful games box by the Parisian cabinetmaker Paul Sormani (19th century) In burl mahogany, ebony and boxwood trim, diamond-shaped ivory decoration with monogram in the middle of the top of this box, Opening with a compartment and three drawers for tokens. Stamped on the lock of the Great Cabinetmaker PAUL SORMANI. About: Paul Sormani was born in Venice in 1817. He established a cabinetmaking workshop in 1847 in Paris. His specialty quickly became the reproduction of 18th century furniture, particularly Louis XV and Louis XVI styles. At the Universal Exhibitions of 1855, 1862 and 1867, he received a medal and increased his clientele. He sold furniture to the Empress Eugenie. Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, brought success to the house by decorating her palaces with Paul Sormani's creations. Paul Sormani moved to 10 rue Charlot in 1867, where he enjoyed great success until his death in 1877. His wife and son Paul-Charles continued manufacturing under the name "Veuve Sormani & fils." Sormani was again awarded prizes at the 1878 and 1892 World's Fairs, as well as at the 1883 Colonial Exhibition. In 1914, Sormani joined forces with Thiebaud frères to become Thiebaud-Sormani. It exhibited under this name in 1925 at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts. In 1934, the death of Paul-Charles Sormani led to the firm's permanent closure. The Sormani house is known for having manufactured furniture but also objects of tableware such as jewelry boxes or even liqueur cellars. (furniture and cabinetmaking of the 19th century)