A beautiful example of a period Louis XV writing desk, this cherrywood commode scriban was hand-carved in Bordeaux, France, in the 1700s. Resembling a chest of drawers with an angled top, the tilted surface folds down and is supported by well-engineered iron arms, large bronze hinges, and a pull-out guide rail with a bronze foliate pull. Behind the writing surface is a two-tiered shelving system, with four small drawers (round wooden pulls) flanking an open compartment on the lower level.

The well-carved chest of drawers below features supple curves to the front façade and both sides, enhanced by the four cabriole legs that support the desk. Both front feet have been carved with volute terminals, while the back feet are shaped blocks. The highly sinuous apron runs along the sides and the front, further accentuating the elegant shape of commode section. Two full-length drawers with asymmetrical floral and foliate handles (in bronze) are set beneath two half-drawers with identical mounts. The handles of the longer drawers flank a bronze cartouche escutcheon, while a faux keyplate can be seen on the rectangular mullion that separates the two half-drawers. Our 18th-century cherry commode scriban would make a wonderful addition to an office, study, or library.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition, with minor nicks, rubs, and age separations. Old restoration work, including repairing previous woodworm damage. No key for the drawers, but the fold-down writing surface has a key for the functional lock. Commensurate use to the writing surface.