German. Circa 1800. Of tulipwood mounted with brass. The top centred by an oval convex tole plaque painted in grisaille with a resting warrior, the gallery with pierced linked ovals, above three graduated drawers and panelled sides on brass-fluted square tapering legs.

English. Circa 1790. This commode is distinguished by the exceptionally fine use of carefully selected figured and straight grain mahogany, fine gilt-brass handles that have the very unusual feature of double pommels, and a beautifully faded color. The demi-lune form was first introduced in the 1770s as part of the resurgence of interest in the art and architecture of ancient Rome, which characterized neo-classicism. The present commode embodies the late 18th-century designs propagated by the likes of Robert Adam and George Hepplewhite, and provided by such cabinetmakers as Gillow of London and Lancaster and William Gates. An almost identical commode was recently in the collection of Jeremy Ltd., who attributed their example to William Gates (fl. 1774-after 1800). Commissioned by the Royal Household as early as 1778, Gates specialized in fine inlay.