Convertible chest of drawers, Netherlands circa 1780

A rare commode veneered in figured maple with Chinese lacquer panels.
Rectangular in shape, it features canted uprights and feet.

It opens with two doors on the front, revealing a central shelf and drawers for cutlery. The overhanging top is removable, allowing the commode to be transformed into a serving table.
When extended, it is held upright by two side brackets and two shelves located on the underside of the top. Two additional doors that extend from the side can serve as extensions.

The extensions and display shelves are crafted from fine mahogany with a very tight grain.

The commode is adorned on the front and sides with four large Chinese lacquer panels depicting lakeside landscapes and figures in traditional dress.

These panels are finished with gold powder and red lacquer highlights on a black background.

These panels were cut from a large Cantonese lacquer screen dating from the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735-1796).

Solid oak backing.

Excellent condition.

Made in the Dutch Republic, Amsterdam, circa 1780.

Dimensions:

Height: 91.5 cm, Width: 114.5 cm, Depth: 56 cm

Similar models:

-A commode of the same type, along with its matching secretary desk, is held at the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem, Netherlands.

The entire piece is published on page 130 of the book: "Edele eenvoud: neo-classicisme in Nederland 1765-1800"

- A very similar commode was sold at Christie's Amsterdam on December 16, 2008, lot 398 (€29,800)

- The secretary desk, probably part of a suite with our commode and originating from Vincy Castle in Switzerland, was sold at Koller Zurich on Thursday, March 22, 2007, lot 1269 (CHF 24,000)

Our opinion:

The commode with a changing mechanism that we are presenting is a jewel of 18th-century Dutch cabinetmaking.

With its precious woods and lacquer panels, it imitates the French furniture that dominated European fashion at the end of the 18th century; but its changing mechanism is directly derived from the commodes found on ships of the Dutch East India Company.

While this type of furniture, which saved space while offering quality service, was originally intended for ships' dining rooms, it quickly became widespread in the homes of the upper middle class in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Like many cities in the Dutch Republic, these two cities derived their wealth from maritime trade; it was therefore fashionable to furnish one's home like a shipowner, that is, with ship furniture or oriental porcelain and lacquerware, of which the company held a near monopoly.