Louis XV Rococo Bombé Commode — Burl Veneer with Antique Gold Ormolu Mounts & Marble Top

Design & Inspiration

Place this commode at the end of a hallway and watch the room reorganize itself around it. The swelling bombé silhouette — that outward billow of the case that is the most demanding form in all of cabinet-making — commands attention from across the room, while the antique-gold ormolu mounts trace their scrolling arabesques across the deep mahogany-toned burl ground like gilded calligraphy on dark parchment. This is a faithful interpretation of the French Louis XV commode tradition at its most theatrical, drawing from the design vocabulary of the great Parisian ébénistes who defined luxury case furniture in the mid-eighteenth century.

Materials & Craftsmanship

The carcass is built from Romanian solid redwood (kiln-dried to below 10% humidity for dimensional stability) and veneered in richly figured burl wood, its swirling grain catching light differently at every angle. The surface receives a French polish finish — a labor-intensive process of layering shellac-based lacquer by hand to achieve the deep, glass-like luster that characterizes the finest period originals. The ormolu mounts are cast in brass and hand-finished to an antique-gold patina: large C-scroll cartouches dominate the drawer fronts, flanked by acanthus sprays and foliate rocaille at the corners and legs. The sabots — the brass shoes capping each cabriole leg — complete the silhouette with period-correct authority. The top is fitted with an off-white veined marble slab, shaped to follow the serpentine plan of the case below.

Dimensions & Details

The commode presents two generous drawers concealed behind the continuous bombé front, their division virtually invisible from a distance — a mark of the joiner's precision. The cabriole legs sweep outward at the base with characteristic Louis XV confidence, terminating in scrolled brass sabots. The overall silhouette is wide and low in the French commode tradition, designed to anchor a wall rather than fill a corner. Exact dimensions available on request; custom sizing is offered by our workshop.

Handcrafted in Egypt

Every commode in this series is made by hand in our Cairo workshop by craftsmen trained in the traditions of European case furniture construction. The bombé shaping, the veneer laying, the brass mount casting, and the French polish — each stage is carried out individually, with no two pieces identical. Brass & Wood was founded on the conviction that this level of craft should not require a trip to a Parisian auction house. It should be accessible, made with care, and built to last generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials is this commode made from?

The frame is constructed from Romanian solid redwood, veneered in figured burl wood with a French polish finish. The decorative mounts are solid brass with an antique-gold patina. The top is natural off-white veined marble.

Is assembly required?

Minimal assembly is required — the marble top is shipped separately and placed onto the case upon delivery. No tools or special skills are needed.

Can this piece be customized?

Yes. Our workshop offers customization of wood finish, marble color, and brass patina. Contact Brass & Wood before placing your order to discuss your requirements.