What is a bombe chest?

A bombe chest is a storage piece featuring distinct convex, swelling fronts and sides that curve outward. This bold silhouette emerged strongly during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Cabinetmakers utilised shaped wooden framing to achieve these complex contours, creating furniture with strong visual depth and movement.

How do I style a walnut bombe chest?

Place the piece against a substantial wall where its curved profile can be appreciated without obstruction. Because of its visual weight, it holds a room well on its own. Keep surface accessories restrained to allow the burr walnut grain or floral marquetry to remain the primary focus.

Are these pieces French or Dutch?

The selection includes prominent examples from both traditions, alongside Italian and Swedish pieces. Dutch examples frequently feature elaborate floral marquetry inlays. French pieces, particularly those in the Louis XV style, often incorporate marble tops and cast ormolu mounts alongside parquetry.

How can I tell an 18th century chest from a revival piece?

Eighteenth century pieces typically show construction traits such as hand-cut dovetails, oak secondary woods, and natural ageing in the walnut grain and marquetry. Revival pieces from the 19th or early 20th century often utilise different internal construction methods and cleaner, more uniform veneers. Examining the interior drawer linings and the underside provides clear clues regarding the manufacturing period.