Louis XVI Ormolu-Mounted Japanese Lacquer Commode

From October 18 to 21, Sotheby’s held a second sale under the same title Property from the Collections of Lily and Edmond J. Safra, where the top lot of the New York sale was a Louis XVI-era ormolu-mounted Japanese lacquer commode with secretaire that fetched $6.9 million, barely missing the top estimate of $7 million.

A highly important late Louis XVI ormolu-mounted Japanese black and gilt lacquer and ebony commode, dated late 18th century is attributed to the renowned French master cabinetmaker, Adam Weisweiler and Pierre-Philippe Thomire, possibly under the direction of Martin-Eloi Lignereux. It has a presale estimated value of $5 – 7 million.

Also sold on the same day was a ebonized ormolu-mounted Japanese commode from the reign of Louis XV that sold for $3.4 million. The auction was expected to bring more than $40 million. This was the second round of sales from the Safras’ homes in the U.S., Switzerland and France. The first took place in 2005 and totaled $48.9 million.