A gilt-bronze mounted Chinese coromandel lacquer commode by Paul Sormani, Paris circa 1860

with green antiquo molded marble top above two long drawers sans traverse, decorated with Chinese figures and landscape, the front and sides with finely cast and chiseled gilt-bronze encadrements, the upper drawer with metal label inset PAUL SORMANI / 10, r. Charlot. Paris, the carcass stamped three times P. SORMANI / PARIS.

Sotheby' s, London, May 26, 1995, lot 213

The present commode is in the manner of the celebrated ébéniste Pierre Roussel (1723-82). The original with slight variations is illustrated in A. Pradère, French Furniture Makers, Tours, 1981, p.206, which was sold at Sotheby's, Monaco, June 23, 1985, lot 823.

Although the exotic appeal of Japanese and Chinese lacquer and fashion for Far Eastern styles existed during the 18^th century, it flourished increasingly in the mid-19^th century.  It is interesting to note that the Empress Eugenie established her Chinese Museum at Fontainebleau in 1863 and was keen to recall the passion for lacquer of her predecessor, the illustrious Marie-Antoinette.