A pair of Maltese fruitwood inlaid walnut, olivewood and marquetry commodes, mid 17th century

each with a rectangular top with rounded front and projecting rear corners with freestanding columns, the top inlaid with a cartouche flanked by a baluster vase above four graduated drawers with later turned handles, the canted recessed corners with freestanding columns on flattened bun feet, each side inlaid with a vase, the whole decorated with scrolled cartouches with seaweed marquetry and cross-banded in olivewood

In overall good conserved condition and the commodes can be placed immediately. Colour overall less orange, slightly darker, less yellow and more attractive than in the catalogue photograph. Overall very minor marks, chips, scratches and hairline cracks commensurate with age and normal usage. There have been some minor restorations and patches to the veneer. Some of the moulding below the frieze drawer is a later replacement. Some of the seaweed marquetry has been restored with red filler. There are other areas of restoration to the marquetry with different coloured pigment. There are some minor construction cracks at some of the joints which are commensurate with age and can be left. The lockplate is signed 'LEADBEATERS, LONDON. 25 ALDERGATE STREET, LONDON.' The feet are probably later.
"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:
John Manduca, Antique Furniture in Malta, Exhibition Catalogue, Valetta, 2002, p. 205, no. 48.
J. Galea-Naudi and D. Micallef, Antique Maltese Furniture, Valetta, 1989, p. 36-37, figs. 21-22.

The art of inlay was introduced to Malta during the 17th century through Italian craftsmen working locally who according to Manduca op. cit., p.10, `produced some of our finest pieces of inlaid items.' This striking  pair of commodes with the contrast  of the light inlay on a dark ground are inspired by Italian models and they are veneered in walnut and inlaid with seaweed marquetry. Their early date and fact that they are a pair make them extremely rare.

A comparable example veneered in olivewood and inlaid in orangewood with ebonised mouldings and pilasters and decorated with seaweed marquetry, as on the offered pair, is in the Museum of Fine Arts Valetta, Malta illustrated by Manduca, op. cit., p. 37, fig. 22. Another related commode is also illustrated by the same author op,. cit. p. 36, fig. 21.

In the 17th century, most furniture in Malta was made by local craftsmen who worked under the supervision of Italian masters employed by the Knights of Malta. According to Manduca, op. cit., p. 23, `the Maltese talented apprentices showed great skill, grasped quickly the trade of cabinet-making and gradually could do without the foreign craftsmen'. It is interesting to note that the wood for making the furniture was red or white deal generally and was imported from Sicily, Genoa and Reggio Calabria. Walnut was also used in the 17th century for the veneer as was olivewood and the wood from  orange and lemon trees. This was used on richly inlaid furniture as well as more ordinary pieces. Towards the middle of the 17th century, large commodes were introduced and some of these were larger than normal and their measurements `coincided perfectly with the length of Maltese ladies' faldettas which fitted inside without being folded'. Furthermore, during this period the higher the price the more inlay was executed on the item.