Louis XV Rococo Ivory Bombé Commode — Hand-Painted Roses & Antique Gold Mounts

Design & Inspiration

There is a certain room this commode belongs in — one where the morning light enters sideways through tall shuttered windows, falls across cream walls, and finds this piece waiting at the far end. The ivory lacquer catches the light differently than paint: it has depth, a softness that invites you closer. The hand-painted roses — blush pink, loosely clustered, trailing on gilded scrollwork — are not printed or stenciled. Each bouquet was placed by a brush, by hand, by someone who understood that a single asymmetric petal makes the difference between a flower and a symbol of a flower. This is a faithful interpretation of the French Louis XV bombé commode, the swelling, three-dimensional form that defined French Rococo storage furniture from the 1730s through the 1770s.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcass is built from Romanian solid redwood dried to below 10% humidity — a standard that prevents the warping and splitting that undermines painted furniture over time. The bombé silhouette — swelling outward on all four sides in a continuous compound curve — requires skilled hand-shaping; it cannot be routed or pressed into form. The ivory lacquer ground is applied in multiple coats, each sanded between applications to achieve the seamless, almost ceramic surface you see. The gilded scrollwork framing each floral panel was applied using fine-line gold painting directly over the lacquer. Three drawers run on smooth-operating runners with antique gold cast-brass drop handles — each handle richly detailed with acanthus leaves and Rococo C-scrolls. The corner mounts are equally elaborate: tall, cast-brass chutes with foliage relief work securing the drawer stack at each corner. Cabriole feet with pad endings complete the silhouette below.

Dimensions & Details

Width: 115 cm | Depth: 46 cm | Height: 92 cm. The commode offers three full drawers with generous interior depth — proportioned for bedroom linens, accessories, or display in a hallway. The top surface, slightly domed and lacquered, is suitable for a tray, floral arrangement, or pairing with a matching mirror above.

Handcrafted in Egypt

This commode is handcrafted in Egypt by artisans trained in the traditions of classical European furniture reproduction. The painted decoration — roses, scrolling tendrils, gilded borders — is applied by hand after the lacquer ground is set, a process that requires skill built over years of practice. Brass & Wood's commitment is to produce replicas that honor the craft logic of the original pieces, not merely their appearance. Every curve of the bombé form, every cast-brass mount, every painted rose petal reflects that standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this commode made from?

The frame is Romanian solid redwood (below 10% humidity). The finish is multi-coat ivory lacquer with hand-painted rose and gilded scroll decoration. The hardware — handles and corner mounts — is cast brass with an antique gold finish.

Is the painted decoration hand-applied or printed?

Every decorative element — roses, gold scrollwork, gilded borders — is hand-painted directly onto the lacquered surface. No transfers, stencils, or printing processes are used.

Can this commode be customized?

Yes. The lacquer color, painted motif palette, and brass finish can be adjusted to commission. Contact Brass & Wood for customization consultations before placing your order.