Known as a commode sauteuse, this walnut chest of drawers was hand-carved in France in the 1700s during the reign of Louis XV, making it a period piece. Notice the long, curvy cabriole front legs (the back legs have a more subtle contour) beneath a two-tiered drawer frame, all hallmarks of a sauteuse.

Both drawers have a pair of pierced foliate mounts flanking an asymmetrical leaf key plate. The front façade is slightly bombe, mirroring the quarter-round molding of the commode top. An asymmetrical panel with thin molding graces each side above an arbalete apron that continues on the front, although with more exaggerated curves. Both front legs terminate in volutes above pad feet, while the two back legs have blocked feet with a chamfer.

Sometimes colloquially referred to as a “jumping commode” because of the curvaceousness of the tall front legs, which resemble an animal in the process of leaping, our walnut wood commode is graceful yet functional. It is a beautiful example of a Louis XV sauteuse that can be used in any bedroom of the house.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with minor nicks, losses, and wear to the top, all commensurate with age and use. Very light age separations. Traces of old fills and repairs. The locks have either been removed or no longer function.