This richly sculpted chest of drawers from Northern France features a remarkable Neoclassical urn which continuously graces the façade of all three rows of drawers. Carved completely out of Oak, it dates to the end of the 18th century. The piece is very architectural in nature, with its repeating channels along the lower belt, long vertical fluting along the sides, and the tapered legs ending in square feet.

The main decorative feature of the central urn is incorporated into each drawer facade.  The top and bottom drawers contain the urn’s foliate lid and molded plinth (respectively), with the main body of the urn depicted on the middle drawer. Notice the details such as a grape leaf swag and gadrooned lobes, both popular during the late 1700s and early 1800s.  Each key hole is framed in a thin, circular wooden molding.

Each drawer has highly ornate bronze handles set inside asymmetrically carved panels that flank the carvings of the urn. A pair of animal mascarons (possibly stylized bucranium, or ox heads) attach to a foliate themed handle. The central attachment depicts a man in a bicorne surrounded by spears, additional foliage, and a small, lidded urn. Interestingly, because the elements of the urn are different widths, none of the handles are lined up vertically.

The roughly 220 year old oak patina simply consists of French wax over the original color… a beautiful diverse and non-uniform impression known as “Robe de Lievre” or the Coat of a Hare.  Truly a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, this Neoclassical commode from the late 1700s would be a topic of conversation in any home.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with light age separations and rubs to the sides and drawer fronts. The top has more noticeable wear, which is commensurate to age and use, including stains and nicks. No keys. Please see photos for details.