A tulipwood, amaranth floral marquetry and parquetry commode stamped J. B. Vassou JME Louis XV/XVI Transitional, circa 1765; partially remounted

with a moulded veined liver grey and white marble top above three frieze drawers mounted with a band of Vitruvian scrolls and acanthus sprays above two panelled long drawers inlaid with trellis parquetry enclosing flowerheads, the curved corners mounted with a ram's mask amongst scrolls, berried-laurel and acanthus, on cabriole legs terminating in gilt-bronze scrolled feet, the sides similarly mounted and inlaid 

The colour of the wood is less orange and the gilding less greenish and more golden and attractive than in the catalogue photograph.There are some very minor chips and pitting to the marble top, commensurate with age but hardly noticeable due to the mottling of the marble. There are some old minor marks, chips and some restored splits to the veneer but these have been very well executed. There are some minor sections of veneer missing generally, especially to the border below the marble top at the front.There is a minor section of veneer missing to the lower section of the bottom drawer which can easily be replaced and a patch to the middle of the same drawer. The front legs have been partially re-veneered. The rear legs have been reblocked. In overall very good restored condition.
"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."

Jean-Baptiste Vassou (1739-1807) received master in 1765. Vassou produced a wide range of furniture from his premises under the sign of 'La tête Noir'. In 1799, he moved to new premises on the rue Saint Antoine where he went from strength to strength. Unlike many of his contemporaries Vassou thrived during the revolution and we see in his output a development stylistically through the periods of Louis XV, Transitional and Louis XVI.

There are other commodes by Vassou which feature the same very unusual shaped apron see P. Kjellberg, Le Mobilier Français du XVIIIe Siécle, Paris, p. 854, fig. B and Sotheby's, sold in these rooms, 25th May 2001, lot 115.