A pair of gilt-bronze, blued steel and verde antico brûle parfums by Paul Sormani Paris, circa 1880

each cast with term figures and mythical beasts, signed P. SORMANI, PARIS

In very good overall condition. The blued steel retouched in places with some minor chipping. The incense receptacle restored. Otherwise with minor surface dirt.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Comparative Literature:
Daniel Alcouffe et al, Gilt-Bronzes in the Louvre,  Dijon, 2004, p. 235-236, no. 118.

This pair of cassolettes are based upon a model, now in the Louvre in grey and blue porcelain on siena marble bases (inv. OA 5505). The model of the horn players is similar to that of the flute players on Madame du Barry's porphyry vase, which is also in the Louvre. 

Paul Sormani (1817-1877) was one of the most important Parisian cabinet makers of the second half of the 19th century. He commenced business at 7 Cimetière Saint-Nicolas and in 1847 moved to 114 rue du Temple. By 1867 when he opened at 10 rue Charlot, he was at the pinacle of his sucess. A contemporary source describes his work in glowing terms, "toute sa production révèle une qualité d'exécution de tout premier ordre".

Sormani first showed his work at the 1849 Paris exhibition where he was awarded a bronze medal and again at the International Exhibition in 1855, when he obtained a first class medal. He travelled to London in 1862, where he gained another award and at the Paris exhibtion of 1867 special mention was made of his petits meubles de fantaisie. This fine pair of brûle parfums are a good example of the range of smaller objects and bibelots he produced. the business was taken over by his widow after his death in 1877.