CIRCA 1780

The Coromandel lacquer decoration on this pair of commodes was almost certainly re-used from imported Chinese screens. The lacquer scene depicted on the right door of one commode shows Chinese characters on the exterior of a gate which translate to 'lotus pond', meanwhile the scene on the left door depict the pond, evidencing they were previously part of a coherent narrative, and were cut from the same Coromandel screen. The term 'Coromandel' is used to describe such Chinese lacquer products because they were shipped to the West by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and rival European powers from their bases on the Coromandel coast of southeast India.

ASIAN LACQUER AS A VENEER
The subsequent passage is a translated excerpt from Andri-Jacob Roubo's work L'Art du Menuisier Ébéniste, published in Paris in 1772 (pp. 1020-1021). This text elaborates on the utilization of Asian lacquer as a veneer in cabinet-making. Roubo, a menuisier-ébéniste and author, operated in Paris during the latter part of the 18th century. The technique described was also used by English cabinet-makers in the 18th century at this time:

'The lacquer panels ordinarily used by French ébénistes are taken from Chinese or Japanese cabinets or screens, whose panels or leaves are generally decorated on both sides, and separated through the middle in order to be suitably thin (by being reduced with a plane) for use as veneer or general cabinet-work. Precautions have to be taken both while cutting the leaves and reducing the depth to prevent splitting or cracking the varnish; so they must be protected by cushions or woolen blankets while cutting in the vice. And the same care must be taken while planing the back; which requires placing them on the work-surface in a doubled over blanket so that the irregular surface of the lacquer caused by the floral pattern or other ornaments is protected.

When reducing the thickness of the wood behind the Chinese lacquer or varnish, it is necessary to retain a certain thickness to prevent cracking. When placing the lacquer veneer on the surface, heating both the lacquer and the base is essential. To protect the lacquer, blankets should be used, on which cushions or wooden wedges with 'goberges' or gluing-clamps can be placed as needed. However, 'valets' should not be used to avoid damaging or splitting the varnish upon impact. Whenever feasible, it's advisable for the joints of lacquered pieces to be surrounded by brass mounts or borders. This precaution is due to the challenge of preventing certain splits, which can become visible at joints, detracting from the overall appearance. Furthermore... when varnishing (japanning) furniture, it is imperative to construct the groundwork with high-quality, well-seasoned timber, ensuring maximum strength, as previously explained in my publications.'