18th Century Furniture - The Low Countries (pt 2)

Unique Elements
The commode did not become popular until the middle of the century. It was similar to British examples until around 1765, tending to have four drawers or doors covering shelves. The choice of wood for these handmade furniture items, the use of imported mounts, and the heavier shape of commodes from the Low Countries help to differentiate them from British versions.
Burr walnut was the veneer of choice in the Low Countries. It was not until the 1730s that mahogany, a wood commonly used in British furniture, was used in Rotterdam, a city in which British influence was very strong. From the mid 18th century, the Low Countries exported ornamental mounts to Britain.
As there was no reigning monarch, the highly ornate styles of the French Court were not as influential in the Low Countries as elsewhere in Europe, and British design was the style of choice.

Giltwood Mirror
A great mid 18th century Chippendale period carved giltwood mirror, fitted furniture, having ho-ho bird pediment above the frame ornamented with 'C' scrolls, flowers, fruit, and foliage.

 

Walnut and Marquetry Bureau Bookcase

Fine quality, original and not reproduction furniture,18th century, Dutch walnut & marquetry Bureau Bookcase C.1770.
The top with 2 shelves & floral marquetry inside the doors. The bureau opening to reveal an arrangement of 11 drawers, the lower half being blocked serpentine with canted corners.
The whole being liberally inlaid with Greek urns, birds, flowers and mythological creatures.