Of shaped demilune form, the marquetry at the top with a covered Classical vessel flanked by floral sprays, over three serpentine drawers flanked by curved cabinet doors, on square tapering legs, inscribed 1342 and 21 in white at the back, the locks to the cabinet doors apparently later, stamped 'IW & S / 2 LEVER'
32¹⁄₄ in. (82 cm.) high, 42¹⁄₄ in. (107.5 cm.) wide, 17¹⁄₄ in. (44 cm.) deep

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Lot Essay

This handsome marquetry-decorated commode is attributed to the fashionable cabinetmakers William Ince (d. 1804) and John Mayhew (d. 1811), who ranked King George III, the 6th Earl of Coventry, and the Earl of Kerry among their distinguished clients. Ince and Mayhew established their partnership at premises in Golden Square, London, and became one of the leading cabinet-making firms in the latter part of the eighteenth century. In 1762 they issued their book of designs, The Universal System of Household Furniture. Written in both French and English, the Universal System reflects their Parisian bent—no doubt intended to convey cosmopolitanism and attract clients with French tastes—an inclination which likely relates to the important role of marquetry in their oeuvre. For a detailed catalogue of marquetry commodes by the celebrated firm, see H. Roberts and C. Cator, Industry and Ingenuity: The Partnership of William Ince and John Mayhew, London and Dublin, 2022, pp. 294-334.