Lot 25
  • 25

A LOUIS XV GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED JAPANESE LACQUER AND PARISIAN VARNISH COMMODE, CIRCA 1745, STAMPED I. DUBOIS |

Estimate
150,000 - 250,000 EUR
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Description

  • Haut. 82,5 cm, larg. 125,5 cm, prof. 59 cm; height 32 1/2 in; width 49 1/2 in; depth 23 1/4 in
the shaped sarrancolin marble top above a curved front opening with two drawers, the lacquer decorated with birds and plants in a mountain lanscape; applied with rich rocaille gilt-bronze ornaments; the marble top inscribed underneath CH.D.BAINS

Provenance

Former collection Villedieu de Torcy, thence by descent

Literature

Related literature:
T. Wolvesperges, Le meuble français en laque au XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 2000

Condition

The illustrations are quite accurate. The commode has been kept in the same family since the 18th century and has not been touched since. Its condition is very interesting and is a testimony which needs to be detailed. The construction is sound and sturdy, with some refined details such as the ebony veneer on the drawer edges. Just above the bronze ending, the rear right foot needs attention. The Japan lacquer decoration was completed, as the Parisian cabinetmakers used to do during 18th century, with European varnish. The varnish has turned yellow and is flaking in places. There are several minute chips throughout the surface. The commode would benefit from a careful and gentle restoration conducted by a qualified specialist we could recommend. The bronze mounts fit perfectly the commode, they are wonderfully chased; the mercury ormolu gilding shows some expected and consistent wear which should be preserved (we would only recommend a slight cleaning). Even the screws securing the bronze mounts seem to date from 18th century which is rare enough to be noticed. The beautiful marble top was strengthened with two long metallic bars. In conclusion, a rare piece of furniture in an ideal condition: this top quality commode would be enhanced by a careful restoration. / Les illustrations sont assez fidèles. La commode, conservée dans la même famille depuis le 18ème siècle n’a pratiquement pas été retouchée depuis lors. Elle nous parvient dans un état de conservation très intéressant et c’est un véritable témoignage qu’il appartient de détailler : L’ébénisterie : la structure est saine, très bien construite, des raffinements particuliers comme le placage d’ébène sur les bords des tiroirs. Le pied arrière droit, au niveau du haut du sabot, montre un signe de faiblesse qu’il faudra traiter. Le décor en laque : composé de panneaux en laque du Japon et de vernis parisien. Comme c’était très souvent le cas au 18ème, les panneaux orientaux ont été complétés par des vernisseurs parisiens. Le vernis a jauni et s’est écaillé par endroits. Il y a une multitude de petits éclats superficiels sur l’ensemble du meuble. Il faut donc envisager une restauration et une conservation soignée et douce qui doit être entreprise par un restaurateur spécialisé et qualifié (nous pouvons vous recommander une personne qui à notre demande a vu le meuble). Les bronzes sont parfaitement adaptés au meuble, ils possèdent une belle qualité de ciselure ainsi qu’une dorure ancienne au mercure montrant par endroits des usures caractéristiques qu’il convient de préserver (seul un léger nettoyage est à conseiller). Même les nombreuses vis servant à fixer la monture en bronze semblent du 18ème ce qui est suffisamment rare pour être souligné. Le marbre, très beau, a été broché avec 2 longues barres métalliques. En conclusion, un meuble rare, de très belle qualité, dans un état de conservation idéal ; une restauration soignée permettra de lui redonner tout l’éclat qu’il mérite.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This beautiful commode is interesting for more than one reason. It has been kept in the same family since the 18th century and essentially seems to have had no restoration since then.
The Japanese-lacquered panels were embellished with a composition in Parisian varnish during the furniture production, as was often the custom. The examination of the facade and sides suggests the partial placement of decorative layers where the relative asymmetry of the Japanese composition has been enhanced with details pleasing to the European eye. Birds framed within the central cartouche are typical of Japanese lacquers and are found on several pieces of furniture including the commode kept at the J. Paul Getty Museum (inv. 55 D.A. 2). 
The gilt-bronze ornamentation has preserved its antique mercury gilding. The richness of the adornments is a perfect expression of early Rococo style where Regency motifs gradually give way to more exuberance.
The presence of an ink inscription CH.D.BAINS underneath the marble top, difficult to read with the naked eye, but revealed via ultraviolet lamp, questions this commode’s original destination. The cabinetmaking is very skillfully executed, produced by Jacques Dubois (master in 1742). This commode belongs to a very small set of four Japanese lacquered commodes made by the cabinetmaker and listed by T. Wolvesperges (op.cit.). Like the commode in the Carnavalet Museum in Paris (inv. MB 450), it is one of the finest pieces of lacquered furniture made by this cabinetmaker.