A polychrome vernis martin commode, Régence, circa 1720

the rectangular top with rounded corners decorated with ribbon-tied floral swags above Berainesque pavilions with male and female figures in 18th century costume flanked by a Cupid and dolphins above trelliswork plinths with ribbon-tied Trophies of Love above three serpentine drawers, with scrolled front stiles, on splayed gilt-bronze hoof feet, with similarly decorated sides

Colour overall slightly darker and more natural and attractive then in the catalogue photograph. There is nice craquelure to the lacquer generally which is beautifully painted. The decoration is in very good condition generally with some very minor old marks, chips and scratches with some areas of white discolouration to the top as visible from the catalogue photograph on page 159. There are several vertical construction cracks down the left side and two down the right side which can easily be filled. There is a partial loss to the front left foot and a small section missing from the front right foot which can easily be restored. Some very minor chips to the gilding of the handles.
"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:
Thibaut Wolvesperges, Le Meuble Français en Laque au XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 2000, p. 94, fig. 67.
Anne Forray-Carlier and Monika Kopplin, Les Secrets de la Laque Française, Le Vernis Martin, Exhibition Catalogue, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, 2014, p. 41, No. 16.

The decoration on this very rare commode is typically French and associated with a japanning technique imitating Oriental lacquer known as vernis martin. One finds two types of decoration characteristic of the late 17th and beginning of the 18th century on these japanned commodes-the Boulle marquetry based upon the designs of Jean Berain must have surely been the inspiration for the maker of this commode which was very fashionable at this period and some of these commodes also imitated floral marquetry.

A commode with similar decoration based upon Berain designs in gold and silver on a black ground, imitating Boulle marquetry in brass and pewter on an ebony ground, is illustrated by Wolvesperges, op. cit., p. 94, fig. 67; another is in the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, illustrated by Forray-Carlier op. cit., p. 41, no. 16 (inv. 51394). The author also mentions that they are all based upon French subjects in the manner of Berain but three are known (perhaps the offered example), based upon Italian engravings from La Commedia dell'arte.

Furthermore, the shape of this commode imitates models by Parisian makers such as André-Charles Boulle and Nicolas Sageot, and in particular the hoof feet which are in gilt-bronze are imitated in carved giltwood on this commode.

A related commode in this technique decorated on the top in the manner of Berain and with flowers, was sold lot 29, Sotheby's, Paris, 17th December 2002 (51,000E).

Also see another lacquer commode dating to the Régence commode  decorated with chinoiseries scenes and figures and a musical party, sold Christie's, London, 17th April 1980, lot 176.