Commodes were first introduced in France during the reign of Louis XIV, towards the end of the 17th century. These early offerings were often constructed with luxurious veneers and decorated with ornate handles, escutcheons, and decorative mounts, all in bronze. Our French burlwood commode with gilt bronze mounts is a beautiful example of a Louis XIV style chest of drawers from the 20th century.

The parquetry pattern of the three tier chest of drawers is reminiscent of period Louis XIV pieces by the famed French ebeniste, Thomas Hache. Hache was schooled in the Italian style of design, often using a geometric parquetry layout as seen on our commode. The arrangement consists of quadrilaterals, rectangles, and roundels comprised of honey, light brown, and ebonized veneers that have stunning swirling graining, as a result of a wood burl.

A bronze chamfered molding surrounds the top, while each drawer has a pair of swag handles with floret mounts separated by a lively escutcheon consisting of curled leaves, scalloped shells, beading, and a mascaron with a parted leaf head piece. Two ogee bracket feet in the front transition seamlessly into a highly shaped apron, all embellished with bronze mounts (the feet have foliate tendrils surrounding a pierced cartouche with a scalloped shell medallion, while the apron has a scalloped leaf margent with a cabochon). Our beautiful Louis XIV style burlwood commode would instantly enhance any bedroom.

CONDITION: Very good condition with minor nicks and scratches to the veneer. Please see photos. Fleabites and rubs to bronze elements. No key.