19th Century Decorative Chinoiserie French Marble Topped Bombe Commode

A Fine and Decorative Late 19th Century French Bombe Commode with Painted or "Japanned" Decoration and Ormolu Mounts

French circa 1890-1900

This fine commode, is of Louis XV style, it is made in bombe form, meaning that both the front and sides are outspreading or curved. Making pieces in this style is technically demanding and would only be attempted by the most experienced cabinet workshops.

The piece also has a highly decorative shaped apron and top, with its protruding corners, which are both complex shapes for a cabinetmaker to contend with as well. The fact that this piece stands so well is testament to the abilities of both the designer and maker.

If the shape of the piece is in itself eye-catching and technically impressive, the decoration used is even more luxurious. The piece is mounted with ormolu corner mounts and sabots of excellent quality with fine gilding and chasing and the top is ornamented with the original marble. The marble used is thick slab of breche de Montmeyan, a French marble predominantly quarried in the 19th and early 20th centuries and particularly favoured for use on pieces of furniture. The top has a beautifully moulded edge which is yet another sign of quality.

Of course the most obvious form of decoration on the piece is the chinoiserie paintwork or japanning which is used to ornament the drawer fronts and the side panels on the commode. On the drawers is a scene featuring a man transporting three noble Chinese ladies in a punt with trees and exotic birds surrounding him and a waterfall in the foreground where another gentleman stands with his fishing pole primed. The sides of the piece depict Chinese figures in very obviously European landscapes-the architecture being recognisably Western whilst the figures are Eastern in their facial features and clothing. It is this combination of cultural influences that have made chinoiserie so appealing to countless generations of collectors, connoisseurs and decorators and this is a lovely example.

This wonderfully decorative commode is very well constructed and a real statement piece of furniture. Quite universal as can equally be used at home in a bedroom, drawing room or hallway. It will provide a talking point in any interior and is a particularly sophisticated example of a commode from this period.

Width: 44 1/2 inches - 113cm

Height: 30 1/2 inches - 90cm

Depth: 22 1/2 inches - 57cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

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If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.