Chest of drawers - in black lacquer and gold on Chinese scenes (circa 1860) - Wood, Gilt brass

Rare exotic hardwood commode, probably mahogany or a close relative of rosewood, entirely covered with a deep black lacquer richly decorated in gold with light touches of polychromy.

This piece originates from the Canton workshops, a major port of Chinese maritime trade, where, throughout the 19th century, highly skilled artisans produced lacquered furniture destined exclusively for export to Europe and the Americas. To appeal to Western customers fond of exotism, they adeptly adapted European forms — here a cabriole-legged commode — while preserving the traditional lacquer techniques and the rich decorative vocabulary of Chinese art. These pieces traveled for months in the holds of merchant ships, which explains the presence of metal reinforcements intended to ensure their sturdiness. At a time when the taste for chinoiserie remained very lively, such commodes symbolized the luxury and refinement of East–West exchanges.

The front features two short drawers stacked at the top and two long drawers at the bottom, each adorned with delicate scenes of animated Chinese landscapes: pagodas and pavilions rising from rocks, boats gliding on the water, figures in traditional dress, bridges and stylized trees, all framed by geometric lattice patterns and floral borders.

The top repeats a large continuous composition in the same spirit, while the sides display graceful birds perched on flowering branches inside cartouches.

The cabriole legs, typical of forms adapted to Western tastes, are also decorated with gilded floral motifs.

The brass handles, drop-shaped or pendant, are mounted on four-lobed plates fixed by screws; they retain a beautiful original patina, slightly worn at contact points, which attests to their authenticity. The lock entries, also in brass, feature a cutout, fretted silhouette, fixed by two rivets, and blend harmoniously with the painted design without overloading it. The entire hardware is original and perfectly in keeping with export production of the period.

The drawers, joined with dovetails, are reinforced at the corners with riveted metal brackets, a classic feature of furniture designed to withstand the rigors of long sea journeys.

Despite its age, this commode is presented in exceptional condition for furniture of its era: the structure is perfectly solid, the drawers slide correctly, and the decoration has retained much of its freshness and brilliance. Only the top surface (slab) needs a bit of care, showing some wear and more noticeable lacquer losses, as is often the case on the most exposed horizontal surfaces. Nevertheless, the overall original patina remains very beautiful, particularly decorative and full of charm.

This type of export Chinese commode, made in Canton in the 19th century with a European form and such high-quality decoration, is exceedingly rare on today’s market.

The piece will be shipped by private carrier to Belgium and via FedEx on a pallet for the rest of Europe. It is obviously possible for the buyer to propose a cheaper transport solution. Free pickup at my home is, of course, possible.