French Early 18th Century Gilt-Bronze and Parquetry Commode or Chest of Drawers

Object Description

An early 18th century kingwood parquetry commode, with an unusual and exceptional serpentine yellow/ ochre marble top, a so-called ‘Jaune Royal’, above three long drawers with foliate handles and escutcheons, with rounded corners, a shaped apron, on bracket feet. The framed herring bone parquetry in kingwood (Bois de Violette) produces an almost modern three-dimensional effect on a distinct vertically convex and concave curved front and sides.

Object History

Commodes, as chests-of-drawers are known in France, were first made in the early years of the 18th century and rapidly became the most fashionable form of furniture, ousting the cabinets-on-stands that had held that place in the late 17th century.

Object Condition

Very good; wear consistent with age and use, minor losses – detailed condition report on request

Object Details