Commode

The stamp D.F. is found on a number of related mid-eighteenth century commodes either decorated with Asian lacquer or with European imitation lacquer. It is believed that the cabinetmaker Jean Deforge, member of a family of Parisian ébénistes by that name, was responsible for this group and for this particular commode veneered with red Chinese lacquer as well. Jean Deforge was connected with a circle of important craftsmen in Paris: he was related through his marriage with Françoise Pottier (or Pothier) to the cabinetmaker and furniture dealer Albert Pottier, while his younger sister married Guillaume Martin, one of the Martin brothers famous for their imitation lacquer usually called vernis Martin.



The two drawers of this commode are sans traverse (meaning without a shelf between them). Although gilt bronze beautifully frames the panels of red lacquer on the front and sides, protects the corners and feet, there are no handles on the drawer fronts which makes it difficult to open them. This may indicate that this commode might have been considered primarily as a display piece rather than having been used for actual storage.



By the mid-eighteenth century Chinese red and gold lacquer was made and exported to Europe where it was used for wall decoration and for the fronts of commodes. It is known that the luxury dealer or marchand mercier Lazare Duvaux sold five red lacquer commodes between 1754 and 1758, signifying that there was a certain market for them in Paris.



A detailed description of how to reuse Asian lacquer as veneer for European furniture was published by Andre-Jacob Roubo in his treatise L’Art du Menuisier of 1769-75. Roubo described how the lacquer should be cut from its wooden substrate to prevent cracking. Heat was used in order to carefully bend the lacquer to the shape of the piece of furniture to which it was subsequently glued.

Roubo also suggested framing the lacquer with gilt-bronze mounts to mask the joints and hide any damage that might have occurred during the cutting process. Even though this commode predates Roubo’s publication by a number of years, it illustrates that these techniques were already practiced at an earlier date.