A superb quality George III Chippendale period serpentine-fronted chest of drawers in figured mahogany.
English, c. 1770
 
Why we like it
A most perfect embodiment of the Chippendale taste: superb quality, dramatically figured veneers and subtle decoration throughout. An extremely rare design with rounded feet and cluster-column flanked facade. Pleasing proportions too.
 
This chest of drawers belongs to a group of cabinet furniture sharing a number of constructional and decorative elements that allow to attribute them to the same workshop: a pair of identical  serpentine dressing chests (in padouk) from the Geoffrey Blackwell collection, sold Christie's, London, 7 June 2007, lot 90 (£288,000) and is similar to another mahogany chest, sold Christie's, London, 8 July 1999, lot 131 (£122,500). A related serpentine commode was supplied in the 18th century to Thomas Howarth, Esq., for Whittington Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire and sold Sotheby's, London, 3 July 2003, lot 47 (£86,240).
The construction, profile of mouldings, measurements and handles (original) are identical with the Blackwell commodes, which are also similarly decorated with mosaic line inlays.
 
While the attribution of this undoubtedly important group of furniture requires further research, their superb quality and magnificent design testify that all these pieces originate from one of the leading and most fashionable workshops of the era.