Description
Exquisitely inlaid antique Italian rosewood, kingwood and marquetry commode, inlaid with crossbanding, interlocking scrolling foliage and twin stylised gryphons. The rectangular top above three drawers, the lower two drawers with a central classical oval panel, the sides conformingly inlaid and with male classical figures within ovals, on short square tapered legs. the surface of this fine commode is a vivid display of exotic wood inlays, over a parquetry background depicting a central marquetry inlay, over drawer and side panels cameo motifs of neoclassical figures front and side. The craftsmanship is impeccable both drawers are crafted with dovetail at the front and back joints. This is truly a piece of artwork remaining as close to outstanding as is likely for a piece of this vintage.
Condition: exceptional minor inlay/veneer losses
Material: rosewood /kingwood/ marquetry/ walnut
Measurements: 34″tall x 47″ wide x 231/2 deep
Wear: age appropriate wear
Date: 1790s
Extra Notes: A very good example of its type which may well be attributable to the workshop of a specific maker. The detailing to the inlay is superb and the sides have been accorded the same treatment as the front. A very nice commode.
The word commode comes from French roots meaning “convenient” or “suitable”.
A commode is a type of furniture resembling the English chest of drawers, in use in France in the late 17th century. Most commodes had marble tops, and some were fitted with pairs of doors. André-Charles Boulle was among the first to make commodes.
The French commode was copied with variations throughout Europe. The term was used in England for curved chests and low cupboards. English commodes, several of which were illustrated in Thomas Chippendale’s Gentleman and Cabinetmaker’s Director (1754), were much more restrained and had little or no ormolu decoration. The term commode was first used in England to describe chests and low cupboards with serpentine fronts. From the late 18th century, commode was also the term, along with night table, for a cupboard containing a chamber pot
