Régence Bombé Chest of Drawers with Ormolu Mounts & Burl Veneer Panels

Design & Inspiration

Place this chest in a room and something shifts — the warm mahogany draws the eye, the antique gold ormolu catches the light, and the gently swelling bombé silhouette reminds you that furniture once aspired to sculpture. Faithfully reproduced in the tradition of the Régence period (1715–1730), this five-drawer commode represents the moment French cabinetmaking freed itself from the rigid symmetry of Louis XIV and began its graceful turn toward the fluid elegance that would define the 18th century. The bombé form — that characteristic outward curve of the case — was not merely decorative; it was a structural and visual statement that the piece belonged to a moment of transition and confidence in French design.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcase is built from Romanian solid redwood at sub-10% humidity, ensuring dimensional stability in varying climates. The drawer fronts and side panels are dressed in richly figured burl veneer — each panel a unique map of swirling grain — set against a ground of deep mahogany-toned solid wood finished in a hand-applied French polish that deepens the color and amplifies the figure of the grain. The hardware is cast antique gold ormolu: flower rosette escutcheons at the upper tier, foliate bail pulls on the lower drawers, scrolled corner mounts, and delicate sabots at the foot of each cabriole leg. From the angled views, the dovetailed drawer construction is visible — a mark of craftsmanship that outlasts any finish.

Dimensions & Details

The chest presents five drawers across two distinct tiers: a pair of shallower drawers at the top flanking a central medallion mount, and three deeper drawers below, with the central panel carrying an elongated foliate ormolu keyhole surround. The serpentine-shaped top follows the contour of the case below. Four slender cabriole legs — each terminating in a gilded sabot — elevate the case with the lightness characteristic of early Rococo design. The piece is scaled for a bedroom, dressing room, or prominent hallway position.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every Brass & Wood piece is made by hand in Egypt by craftsmen trained in the European cabinetmaking tradition. The ormolu mounts are individually cast and hand-finished to an antique gold patina; the veneer panels are selected for figure and laid by hand; the French polish is applied in successive thin coats and burnished between each layer. This is not a production piece — it is a made-to-order work that reflects the same values of material quality and manual skill that defined the original tradition it honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this chest made from?

The carcase and legs are built from Romanian solid redwood. The drawer fronts and side panels feature hand-selected burl veneer over a mahogany-toned ground, finished in French polish. Hardware is cast antique gold ormolu (brass alloy).

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — primarily attaching the legs to the body, which requires no specialist tools and takes under 30 minutes.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Brass & Wood offers customization of wood finish, ormolu finish color, and veneer selection. Contact our team for bespoke commissions.