Documented and Important Maison Jansen Ormolu Mounted Regency Commode, c. 1950
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Magnificent and fine Maison Jansen ormolu mounted commode (France, c. 1950), documented in the book 'Jansen Furniture' by James Archer Abbot (see photos).
This important cabinet was recently imported from the UK and was lightly restored here in Los Angeles. We provided this commode with a new French Polish leaving everything original underneath the polish. We gently and lightly cleaned the brass trim, bronze handles and ormolu mounts and inlays and left the gentle age found underneath the surface of the thick glossy French Polish which has a mirror-like finish.
Described in the Jansen Furniture book as 'Regence-Style Ormolu-Mounted Green, Blue, and Ebonized Commode, c. 1950'. What is "Ormolu"? It is described as the gilding technique of applying finely ground, high-carat gold–mercury amalgam to an object of bronze, and for objects finished in this way. The mercury is driven off in a kiln leaving behind a gold coating.
Extremely high quality in use of materials and construction details - this piece of fine furniture features gold ormolu mounts on the front and insets at the front corners, hefty bronze handles, and detailed marquetry inlay using Citron, a luxury wood, to create an alluring pattern in light and darker green, gold and ebony. At first glance one might think the patterns were painted on - but no, it's delicately inlaid wood.
Much heavier than you might expect, and the heft is a sign of quality as you might imagine. In addition, those details that most furniture makers leave behind were not an afterthought on this Regency style dresser. The wood and construction details used in the drawers and on the rear are also of high quality. My favorite subtle detail are the three strips of gold ormolu inlay found on each front corner. Such beautiful details which elevates this piece from incredible to exquisite.
This Jansen chest of drawers is an opportunity to posses such a unique piece of Jansen's history as a global powerhouse in design and interiors, but more uniquely the opportunity is for the collector to acquire something that can be at the center of a collection, which one can then build around.
MEASUREMENTS:
H 32.5" x W 46" x D 25"
CONDITION:
Excellent condition. All mounts, trim and insets are clean and complete. No losses. Key is present and working. New French Polish lacquer. The marquetry underneath has slight age and minor wear from prior use which is exhibited through the French Polish, only visible upon close inspection. Brass trim on top edge has light scratching from age and use. Overall this is a very fine and quality piece which has been well cared for. Ready for immediate use.