Hand-carved in the style of Louis XVI, this fantastic Italian walnut commode has a highly unusual form and dates to circa 1870. The two-tiered chest of drawers surmounts an unusual apron that is high off the ground and consists of a series of drapery swags joined by a beaded loop with a crinkle ribbon bow on the front. Both drawers have a subtle curve and are embellished with a large floret that encircles an escutcheon delicately chased with a lidded urn surrounded by beading. Similar urns are seen beneath the pair of ringed husk pulls that flank the floret, with a partial floret gracing each end of the drawers. The carvings and bronze mounts are accompanied by bead and reel molding that also adorn the ogee sides and beneath the highly shaped top.

A slender chamfer above bundled husks softens the edges of the top, which have four protruding moldings that align with pilasters beneath. Each pilaster has a tight volute capital above an acanthus leaf, with a pair of cavetto cornices separating a beaded niche and the bulbous legs with thick gadroon beneath the apron. All four legs terminate in elongated leaf cup feet, adding stability to the high profile chest of drawers. Our unusual Louis XVI-style drapery swag commode can be placed wherever case storage is needed, including a bedroom, hallway, or living room.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition with minor age separations. The walnut wood was stripped more recently, leaving traces of the original finish. Recent restoration work to some of the swags. No key.