Georgian Bombe Commode

A handsome George III period mahogany and harewood marquetry inlaid bombe commode; the later marble top above four oak lined graduated drawers; each drawer is mounted with the original rococo handles and escutcheons and is decorated with geometric panels of harewood inlaid with a trellis design in boxwood flanking a central panel inlaid with flowers; raised on swept bracket feet. The ends of the commode are decorated with a panel of harewood inlaid with a trellis design and centred by an urn set within a rococo cartouche. Retaining the original ormolu mounts to the front corners of a female term with a rocaille collar and an ormolu rococo cartouche to the shaped apron.

The construction of this commode is typically English but the decoration is quite unusual. The trellis design suggests the work of an emigre Scandinavian cabinet-maker as this is a typical motif of Northern European furniture. The most prominent Scandinavian cabinet-makers in Georgian London were Christopher Fuhrlog and George Haupt.

A bombe chest from its name alone creates an exotic but elegant feel. It comes from French, meaning "curved."  So when you use this to describe furniture such as a Bombe Commode, its curves are its defining aspect. Bombe chests/commodes curve outward in the front and on the sides to curving in at the base and rear of the sides.

For more examples of furniture from the Georgian Period please contact us.