Small L.xv Chest Of Drawers, Cube-shaped Marquetry, Second Half Of The 18th Century.

A small two-drawer chest of drawers, also known as a “sauteuse” in this version. The body is curved and rounded on all sides and extends into slender, curved legs. The top follows the curve of the front panel; the front edge is trapezoidal—71 cm at the front, 58.5 cm at the back.

The top and drawer fronts feature a diamond- or cube-patterned marquetry (parqueterie) made of contrasting precious woods: plum, lemonwood, and rosewood. The spatial effect is created by the varying colors and grain directions of the individual diamond panels. The marquetry panels are framed by longitudinal veneer strips; the sides are veneered with mirror-finish rosewood in the center.

The finely crafted original hardware is made of gilded bronze: two drawer pulls with a knot and crown motif, as well as a lock escutcheon with Rococo floral decoration. They have been cleaned; the gilding has been restored with 22-karat gold leaf.

The chest of drawers is in very good condition, has been professionally restored, repolished with new shellac, and is ready for use.

Dimensions and Construction

• Width: 71 cm (front) / 58.5 cm (back)
• Depth: 43 cm
• Height: 81 cm
• Materials: Plums, lemonwood, and rosewood marquetry; walnut-veneered sides
• Shape: Curved body, curved legs
• Decoration: Diamond/cube marquetry (parquetry) on the top and fronts
• Hardware: Gilded bronze, cleaned; defects restored with 22-karat gold leaf
• Configuration: two drawers
• Period: Rococo/Baroque
• Condition: very good condition, professionally restored, repolished with new shellac, ready for use