A FRENCH GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED EBONY AND JAPANESE LACQUER MEUBLE D'APPUI, FIRST QUARTER OF 19TH CENTURY, STAMPED E. LEVASSEUR |

decorated with Japan lacquer panels figuring flower vases on the front and partridges on the sides, in aventurine frames; the vert de mer marble top above the front centered by a slightly outset door, flanked by two other doors with walnut-inlaid frames

Galerie Aveline - Jean-Marie Rossi, Paris
Parisian private collection

Illustration is slightly too orange. The overall condition is fine. There are some very thin vertical crack lines on the lacquer panels: it is a normal thing which is visible from a close up. Some minor patched refreshments to the black ground. The marble top with a chip and minor missing element on the right back angle. Very decorative piece with fine contrasts between various materials and colors.
"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."

The creator of this elegant piece of furniture is probably the cabinetmaker Etienne Levasseur (1721-1798), who was received as master in 1767, or his son Pierre-Etienne who continued the family business during the first quarter of the 19th century (see A. Pradère, "Boulle, du Louis XIV sous Louis XVI" in L' Objet d'art No. 0, June 1987, p.62). Their workshop was extremely famous for their know-how in Boulle marquetry, but also for their furniture with Japanese lacquer, such as those delivered around 1770 to the financier Randon de Boisset (see A. Pradère, Les Ebénistes français de Louis XIV à la Révolution, Paris, 1989, 315, Fig. 357).
Their production was also characterized by the use of rich gilt-bronze ornaments inspired by the Louis XIV style, like the top frieze of our meuble d'appui that can be found similarly on the bookcase with Boulle marquetry from the former Londonderry collection (see A. Pradère, op.cit., p.311, fig.352) and on a pair of cabinets from the Royal Collection, also adorned with Japanese lacquer panels (inv. RCIN 2464 ).
In addition, there are Japanese lacquer panels adorned with similar flower vases on a pair of cabinets by Nicolas Petit (consult T. Wolvesperges, Le meuble français en laque au XVIIIe siècle, Paris, 2000, 231). Fig. 113) and on a cabinet by Weisweiler in the Nissim de Camondo Museum (inv 121).