Paul-Charles Sormani French, b. 1848 A pair of gilt bronze, blued steel and Patricia green marble brûle parfums Paris, circa 1885

each cast with term figures and mythical beasts, signed P. SORMANI, PARIS, on Siena marble bases.

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

Overall good condition and presentation. Light surface scratches and minute chips to marble consistent with age and handling, some dirt and oxidation and minor pitting to mounts consistent with age and atmospheric conditions over the years. Both with flaking, scratches, and some loss to the blue paint on the bases. One bronze element securing the center legs missing, one replaced and not matching. One brule parfum wobbly and will need stabilizing.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This pair of cassolettes are based upon a model in Sevres porcelain and gilt bronze  attributed to Pierre-Phillipe Thomire now in the Louvre (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.

Compare to a similar pair sold Sotheby's London, 28th October 2009, lot 48 (£25,000)