Description
A rare mid 18th century lacquer commode. Decorated overall with typical exotic polychrome and gilt chinoiseries of pavilions, rockwork, figures, foliage and lakes.
The conforming top and angles similarly decorated in polychrome chinoiseries within a broad gilt trailing floral border. With an arrangement of three, double serpentine working drawers separated by gilt heightened double ‘D’ mouldings to the drawer dividers.
This mid 18th century lacquer commode is raised on bold shaped bracket feet with a matching deep, double serpentine, bottom moulding.
This pronounced double serpentine front is a form often encountered in German furniture designs of the mid 18th century. Heinrich Kreisel in his ‘Kunst des deutschen Mobels, Spatbarock und Rokoko’, illustrates a very similar treatment of the front of a commode no.1103 p. 436 Ca. 1740. A lacquer bureau cabinet with very similar shaping and decoration to the drawer fronts and handles was sold by Sothebys in Los Angeles 5th June 1978 from the estate of Mr & Mrs. Eugene V. Klein.
Ref : Carl Crossman, ‘The Decorative Arts of the China Trade’, London, 1997, p.272, pl. 149.
See also a desk or poudreuse in the King’s bedroom at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton.
A lacquer dressing chest of drawers was sold by Sothebys London 9th March 2007 on behalf of Malletts, Bourdon House.
Estimated at £20,000 – £30,000.
National Trust Lacquer See: nttreasurehunt.wordpress.com
This antique lacquer commode is in excellent overall condition and proportions with some minor losses and shrinkages entirely compatible with its age.
