Object Description
Antique ormolu mounted tea table attributed to Paul Sormani
French, Late 19th Century
Height 94cm, width 88cm, depth 55cm
Traditionally used for the display and serving of tea and owned by the elite, the tea table in Mayfair Gallery’s collection is attributed to a renowned Italian/ French cabinetmaker, Paul Sormani (1817-1877).
The first of the two tiers includes a removable glass and ormolu tray on which tea would be served. Once removed a beautiful quarter veneered tabletop is revealed, a larger version of which is visible in the tier below. The two edges of the larger tier too include handles allowing for the easy transportation of the furniture piece. Various ormolu mounts decorate the table all around and are cast in nature-inspired motifs.
Below the two tiers is a triple tablet frieze from which four cabriole legs extend. These terminate in ormolu sabots, accentuating the refined elegance of the piece.
Despite traditionally being used during the enjoyable pastime of tea drinking, the tea table can be used to display numerous precious items such as vases or small collectables.