Fine Mid 19th Century North European Japanned or Lacquered Commode in the Rococo Manner

Highly interesting mid 19th Century North European Japanned or lacquered commode in the Rococo manner. Clearly inspired by French Louis XV forms, this wonderful commode is of double serpentine shape. This means that both the sides and the front of the piece are of serpentine outline. This form is also used for the shape of he apron beneath the drawer fronts and is echoed in the cabriole legs. Unlike a typical French commode however, this piece does not have a marble top but instead is decorated throughout with the finest quality chinoiserie japanning-in order words a form of decorative painting incorporating layers of varnish in imitation of Chinese and Japanese lacquer work. The decoration is set against a fine red background which retains its original rich colouring. European japanning is quite light sensitive and so it often fades to a pinkish colour when exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period and the condition of this piece is exemplary. It has obviously been well cared for over the years. The decoration takes the form of various imagined scenes of "Chinese" life with exotic figures, animals and buildings enclosed with gilt borders and floral decoration on the legs and pilasters. The best japanning is very different from pure painted work, incorporating as it does multiple layers of relief in the work. The figure on the back of the horse-like creature on the lower drawer for example is worked in high relief, the creature in a medium relief and the bird above in very low relief. The decoration is of high quality and in great condition throughout and is complemented by the fine lines of the piece and the original rococo form escutcheon plates. The sides of the piece are decorated just as profusely as the drawer fronts but it is the top where the finest decoration is to be found. The centre of the top features a large and elaborate building in the Chinese style with elements of pagoda architecture and the bridge on the right hand side, with the extremely exaggerated camber, is charming and amusing. It is difficult to be entirely sure as to precisely where this piece was made. The lack of a marble top makes it unlikely that the piece was made in France, as does the shape of the apron which is not typically seen on French pieces. The use of oak stiles likewise makes it unlikely that the piece is of Italian origin. It is therefore likely that the piece was made in Northern Europe, possibly Scandinavia. In the 18th century pieces of important japanned furniture were imported in to Sweden and Denmark in particular from the Grendey workshops in London and from the great French masters as well. The japanning tradition in Scandinavia was therefore highly influenced by both English and French styles and the present piece, with its fusion of those two influences, may well have been a product of craftspeople in that area working in the same idiom some 100 years later. Northern European japanned furniture is not commonly encountered and any japanned or lacquered pieces in this sort of condition are rare survivals. This is a wonderfully decorative piece of furniture that will enhance any room.