19th Century French Louis Philippe Period Marble Top Commode

2204-13204 (Click to Inquire About This Item)

40H x 51.5W x 23.5D

Location: Dallas

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19th Century French Louis Philippe Period Marble Top Commode was hand-crafted by master artisans from exotic imported mahogany from the Americas, and once it was discovered that a highly figured grain pattern was inherent in the wood, the bookmatch process was employed to create flipped mirror images across the entire drawer facade for a truly unique look, as each such piece created in this manner relies on the natural variations in the wood.  Curiously, in the second drawer from the top, one can make out a fleur-de-lys form in the wood grain!  Finely crafted but restrained molded detail pervades the design, with only a modicum of scrollwork appearing along the apron frontage and feet.  In order to maximize emphasis on the natural beauty of the wood, no pulls were used, which is the norm for examples from this era.  One uses a key, which we will provide, as a drawer pull.  Another peculiarity of the period is the so-called "sandwich" marble top, which employed a groove along the edge rather than the traditional corner beveling so common afterwards.  This commode boasts its original marble, grooved as well as mitered on the corners to match the casework below and to eliminate sharp corners in the traffic patterns of the room.  A stunning example of mid-19th century sophistication in French craftsmanship!
Circa 1850s
Measures 40H x 51.5W x 23.5D

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