Large Four-Door Commode by Jules Leleu, Marquetry by Messager, circa 1948

France
circa 1948

Jules Leleu (1883-1961) – “Vol de Papillons parmi des Fleurs Champêtres”(Flight of Butterflies among Country Flowers) – A Fine French Art Deco four-door rosewood sideboard, with ebony and mother-of-pearl marquetry / inlays, adorned with gilded bronzes and sabots.

Marquetry designed by Anatole Kasskoff (1904-1978) and executed by Témoin Messager.

Beautiful rosewood and sycamore interior comprising three drawers in the middle and shelving on each side.
Signed J. Leleu, in a dura-formol cartouche.

The difference in wood color between the commode and its documentation is due to normal sun discoloration and fading over time. It can be returned close to its original finish if desired, and can be done by hand in our workshop (refinishing is optional – and not included in price).

Provenance : Mr. and Mrs G., Paris. Acquired at the time of its creation and subsequently passed on to their descendants.

Bibliography : – Mobilier et Décoration – N° 4, April 1948. Our piece or an identical model reproduced on page 42. Viviane Jutheau – Jules et André Leleu – Éditions Vecteurs, Paris, 1989. Our piece or an identical model reproduced on page 103. Françoise Siriex – Leleu Décorateurs-Ensembliers – Éditions Monelle Hayot, Paris, 2007. The sideboard matching our furniture model reproduced on page 50 and a marquetry detail identical to that on our furniture reproduced on page 51, an identical model reproduced on page 418.

Condition
Good original vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use, minor losses, finish patinated-weathered.

Measurements
Height: 37.8 in (96 cm)
Width: 86.23 in (219 cm)
Depth: 20.08 in (51 cm)

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Reference: 2388