What characterises French Louis XV Rococo furniture?

French Louis XV Rococo furniture is defined by asymmetrical curves, serpentine silhouettes, floral or figurative marquetry, and integrated bronze mounts. Originating in the mid-18th century, the style emphasised organic forms, comfort, and elaborate decorative veneers over rigid straight lines.

What materials were traditionally used in 18th-century French commodes?

Master cabinetmakers utilised exotic timber veneers such as kingwood, tulipwood, and rosewood applied over oak carcasses. Tops were frequently cut from thick, contoured marble, whilst decorative structural joints were reinforced with cast gilt-bronze or silvered mounts.

How can you identify an authentic 18th-century French commode?

Authentic period pieces often feature stamped maker marks (estampilles) from master ebenistes on the oak carcass beneath the marble. Construction details include hand-sawn drawer linings, hand-cut dovetail joints, unpolished undersides of marble slabs, and cast bronze mounts fitted with hand-threaded screws.

How do you style an 18th-century Rococo sideboard in a modern interior?

A Rococo commode serves as a striking focal point when contrasted against understated, neutral walls. Placing contemporary artwork above the piece or pairing it with minimal lighting creates a balanced dialogue between historic craftsmanship and modern design.

How should kingwood veneer and marble tops be preserved?

Clean wood veneers using a dry microfibre cloth and apply beeswax sparingly along the grain to maintain moisture. Marble tops should be wiped clean with neutral pH cleaners, avoiding acidic substances, while metal mounts require gentle dusting to preserve their original patina.

for sale €17,550 $19,050

£15,000

Royal House Antiques

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Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

Name: Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA815056
Price: 15000 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Royal House Antiques

Description

Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this important, restored circa 1750 marble topped kingwood inlaid sideboard with polished silver fittings sideboard fully stamped for Germain Landrin 1710-1785.

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price

This is a museum quality find, exceptionally rare and highly decorative, the marble top has a finish the likes of which I’ve never seen, it almost looks life flint it’s so patinated. The silvered fixtures and fittings are all nicely polished and patinated, they are most likely pewter. The main body is made up of Kingwood, Walnut, Tulip wood and other tropical hardwoods.

The piece has quite a strange function, its exactly the same both sides, the main body has two huge drawers which can be accessed from either side, there is a metal in the middle which seats the drawers’ dead centre. The sides have two cupboards which would have had oak shelves, they were lost years ago, I can have two new shelves made free of charge.

This has been restored over the years as you would expect from a 270+ year old piece, I have also had it tidying up so its ready to go for the new owner. The old restoration looks to be various small pieces of veneer replaced, the marble top has been repaired, I have had the metal work washed and polished, the main body lightly taken back and French polished. There are some small losses to the metalwork here and there, otherwise it’s a very fine example.

Dimensions

Height:- 91.5cm

Width:- 110.5cm

Depth:- 73cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements, please ask.

ABOUT GERMAIN LANRIN

Germain Landrin (1710-1785) was one of the principal suppliers to his fellow ébéniste Pierre II Migeon, with many of the pieces he made veneered in very much the same fashion as the present piece. He also supplied furniture to Denis Genty and appeared as a creditor in the inventory taken after the death of J.F. Oeben in 1764. Well regarded, Landrin became an adjudicator in his guild in 1746 and was elevated to principal in 1772 (see Pradère, op. cit.).

Any questions please feel free to ask.

Physical Dimensions

Height

91.5cm (36.02")

Width

110.5cm (43.50")

Depth

73cm (28.74")

Declaration

Royal House Antiques has dated this French Louis Xv Commode to the 1750s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA815056

Description

fig 1. An 18th-century French Rococo kingwood commode featuring marquetry panels, silvered bronze mounts, cabriole legs, and a shaped marble top. — fig 1. Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price

“

This is a museum quality find, exceptionally rare and highly decorative, the marble top has a finish the likes of which I’ve never seen, it almost looks life flint it’s so patinated.

Royal House Antiques

The silvered fixtures and fittings are all nicely polished and patinated, they are most likely pewter. The main body is made up of Kingwood, Walnut, Tulip wood and other tropical hardwoods.

fig 2. An 18th-century French Rococo kingwood commode featuring marquetry panels, silvered bronze mounts, cabriole legs, and a shaped marble top. — fig 2. Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

The piece has quite a strange function, its exactly the same both sides, the main body has two huge drawers which can be accessed from either side, there is a metal in the middle which seats the drawers’ dead centre. The sides have two cupboards which would have had oak shelves, they were lost years ago, I can have two new shelves made free of charge.

fig 3. An 18th-century French Rococo kingwood commode featuring marquetry panels, silvered bronze mounts, cabriole legs, and a shaped marble top. — fig 3. Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

This has been restored over the years as you would expect from a 270+ year old piece, I have also had it tidying up so its ready to go for the new owner. The old restoration looks to be various small pieces of veneer replaced, the marble top has been repaired, I have had the metal work washed and polished, the main body lightly taken back and French polished. There are some small losses to the metalwork here and there, otherwise it’s a very fine example.

fig 4. An 18th-century French Rococo kingwood commode featuring marquetry panels, silvered bronze mounts, cabriole legs, and a shaped marble top. — fig 4. Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

Dimensions

Height:- 91.5cm

Width:- 110.5cm

Depth:- 73cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements, please ask.

ABOUT GERMAIN LANRIN

fig 5. An 18th-century French Rococo kingwood commode featuring marquetry panels, silvered bronze mounts, cabriole legs, and a shaped marble top. — fig 5. Rare & Collectable Germain Landrin Circa 1750 French Marble Kingwood Sideboard

Germain Landrin (1710-1785) was one of the principal suppliers to his fellow ébéniste Pierre II Migeon, with many of the pieces he made veneered in very much the same fashion as the present piece. He also supplied furniture to Denis Genty and appeared as a creditor in the inventory taken after the death of J.F. Oeben in 1764. Well regarded, Landrin became an adjudicator in his guild in 1746 and was elevated to principal in 1772 (see Pradère, op. cit.).

Any questions please feel free to ask.