A George III Indian Rosewood, Satinwood and Tulipwood-Banded Marquetry Bow-Front Commode, Circa 1785

Ronald Phillips Ltd., London;

From whom acquired by Aso O. Tavitian, 2 February 2004.

The distinctive use of Indian rosewood combined with the delicate marquetry and bowed front between straight uprights and tapered legs with block feet on the current commode closely relates to a pair of commodes supplied to George, Marquess of Blandford, later 5th Duke of Marlborough most likely by the firm Ince and Mayhew and most recently sold Sotheby’s London 3 December 2013, lot 353. The above-mentioned attributes suggest the hand of this prominent cabinet-maker duo as makers of the current lot. William Ince and John Mayhew were one of the most significant contributors to English furniture design in the late-eighteenth century, and they created pieces for many iconic country houses including Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House.