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Lot Essay
The marble-topped commode, with arabesque-inlaid tablets incorporating a vase and Mercurys caduceus and celebrating prosperity and happiness, is designed in the late eighteenth century fashion associated with the Milanese cabinet-maker Giuseppe Maggiolini (d.1814), Intarsiatore delle Altezze Reali (see G. Beretti, Giuseppe e Carlo Francesco Maggiolini, Milan, 1994). It bears the stamp introduced in the late nineteenth century by Gillows of Oxford Street, London and Lancaster. Trading in 'every description of meublement, ancient and modern', the firm established additional premises in Paris and Johannesburg and exhibited at various international exhibitions in Europe and America around 1900.
A late eighteenth century North Italian chest-of-drawers of this same pattern was formerly in the London collection of Lady Patricia Ramsay; sold Christie's King Street, London, 7 november 1974, lot 75
The remarkable resemblance with the North Italian chest of drawers and the fact that this design is unknown for any piece made by Gillows, would indicate that this Gillows commode which is now in this sale is a specially custom made piece.
For a brief history on Gillows see catalogue of Christie's sale 6933, The glory of Gillows and fine English Furniture, London King Street, 16 september 2004
A late eighteenth century North Italian chest-of-drawers of this same pattern was formerly in the London collection of Lady Patricia Ramsay; sold Christie's King Street, London, 7 november 1974, lot 75
The remarkable resemblance with the North Italian chest of drawers and the fact that this design is unknown for any piece made by Gillows, would indicate that this Gillows commode which is now in this sale is a specially custom made piece.
For a brief history on Gillows see catalogue of Christie's sale 6933, The glory of Gillows and fine English Furniture, London King Street, 16 september 2004