A North Italian Parquetry Commode
£5,900
SOLD
A late eighteenth century parquetry commode, the plank top above three inlayed drawers with finely chased cast brass handles and escutcheons, the sides with geometric herringbone inlay, the whole raised on inlayed square tapering feet.
Fruitwood furniture of this type with geometric inlay is typical of the Piedmont region. The side panels are an unusual feature and display not only the finest figured veneers available at the time, but also exemplify the talent of the cabinet maker in question.
The sharp lines throughout are specific to the Neo-Classical Period as the restrained ornamentation (specifically the metalware).
A commode such as this would have been used as blanket chest for the storage of fine linens. Today such pieces continue to be used for this purpose and wooden topped commodes remain very popular for use in the bedroom.
