A gilt-bronze mounted black chinoiserie lacquer commode stamped G. Dester Louis XV/XVI Transitional, circa 1765

with a shaped Brêche d'Alep marble top above a frieze drawer mounted with gilt bronze Vitruvian scrolls above a further drawer, both drawers sans traverse depicting Chinese figural scenes, landscapes, animals and plants, the panelled sides decorated similarly, on cabriole legs terminating in lion paw feet

Christie's, Paris, 19th December 2007, lot 761 sold for 252.000 Euros.

In overall very good conserved condition. There is a large vertical age crack to lacquer panel on the right side. Some refreshment to the gilt painted decoration. Some very minor re-touching to the laquer panels and some very minor chips, cracks and scratches to the lacquer throughout consistent with age and use. A stunning piece.
"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."

Comparative Literature
Kjellberg, Pierre, Le Mobilier français du XVIIIe Siècle, Dictionnaire des ebenistes et des menuisiers, Paris 2002, p. 296-299, for a commode by Dester of same shape and with nearly identical mounts.

The particular beauty of this elegant and rare commode is based on the vivid contrast between the dark lacquer panels and the bright gilt bronze mounts. Commodes with chinoiserie lacquer by Dester are rare as he mostly produced pieces in marquetry. However, in around 1930 Comte Francois de Salverte inventoried a comparable commode with chinoiserie lacquer in the collection of Count Williamson in Château Fontaine-Henry (Calvados). There is also a small Louis XV chinoiserie lacquer commode by Dester which was sold in Paris, hôtel Drouot, étude Renaud-le Roux, 30-31 March 1987, lot 203 for FF260.000 and is illustrated by Kjellberg, op.cit., p.259. 

Godefroy Dester, maître in 1774.

Established in the rue du Faubourg-Sainte-Antoine, Godefroy Dester's (1768-1805) goût Grecque style was clearly inspired by the oeuvres of Adam Weisweiler and Guillaume Beneman. He was evidently well regarded, as he was chosen as the ébéniste for a magnificent pair of porcelain-mounted commodes designed by the architect François-Joseph Bélanger and supplied to the Comte d'Artois.