A remarkable aspect of the Dr Anton C.R. Dreesmann Collection of French Furniture is the number of rare examples with unusual features and of innovative, often unique, forms. The thirst for novelty was one of the dominant characteristics of 18th Century France. Sophisticated collectors vied with each other for the latest objets de luxe and were catered to by a group of merchants known as marchand-merciers..
There are several pieces in the collection by the celebrated Dutch-born cabinet-maker Roger van der Cruse (known as Lacroix), including the spectacular bureau acquired from Bernheimer, with its charming marquetry vignettes of villages and landscapes. Jean Pierre Latz, the German-born cabinet-maker, is also well represented with one of his masterpieces, table à la bourgogne, and a richly inlaid tric-trac gaming table of unusually large size.
To be sold alongside the furniture collection is Dr Dreesmann's collection of fine and rare Chinese export porcelain mostly dating to the 18th century. Some of the European-subject examples have not appeared on the market in recent years. Also on offer are figural groups, finely potted teabowls and saucers, as well as a selection of 'Chinese taste' plates and dishes from the Yongzheng period (1723-35), which may be compared in quality to wares made for the Chinese Imperial court.
Sale Contacts: Amjad Rauf, European Furniture & Works of Art
Tel: +44 (0)20 7389 2358 Caroline Allen, Chinese Export Porcelain
Tel: +44 (0)20 7389 2556
