L. Bontemps A Louis XVI style gilt-bronze and Coromandel lacquer-mounted ebony commode Paris, circa 1870

surmounted by a portor marble top, fitted with a compartmentalized frieze drawer above two long drawers, stamped L. BONTEMPS / PARIS three times to the carcass, once to the top of the first long drawer and twice to the top of the bottom drawer.

D. Ledoux-Lebard, Le Mobilier Français du XIX Siècle, p. 92-93.

Overall good original condition; the marble top with some large chips to the back corner edges and with some chips and wear to the edges and with some light surface scratches; Extensive wear to the lacquer around looped handles; minor horizontal craquelure to lacquer to the middle of both drawers; some chips to the ebony veneer of the top edge above the frieze drawer; the beaded molding around the keyhole of the first long drawer slightly bent and does not allow the key to slip in.
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.

The present lot combines a number of features including à la greque decoration to the frieze flanking a foliate grotesque mask. The side panels and sans traverse drawers and sides are mounted with Chinese Coromandel lacquer panels. The technique of this exquisite Chinese decoration consists of applying to the board a thick paste ground, called Urushi, into which the chosen pictoral design is carved and then filled with colored lacquer pigmented pastes. Ledoux-Lebard cites a pair of Louis XVI style side cabinets by Bontemps with Chinese coromandel lacquer panels which sold, Hôtel Drouot, May 18, 1998, lot 202.  A similar commode by Bontemps sold in these rooms, April 19, 2007, lot 56.