bedside - commodes
Commode. As used to describe an item of English furniture, it refers to what is euphemistically called a 'night table', that is a small cabinet concealing a chamber pot. However its 18th century French usuage is more common, describing a low and highly decorated chest of drawers for salons and reception rooms. Sometimes used in that sense by English cabinetmakers, but more frequently it denotes a half round or serpentine shaped cabinet, with panelled doors, standing on legs. They were pieces on which the cabinetmaker lavished his most accomplished art, with rich veneers, marquetry inlays, gilt mounts and other ornamentation. Many side tables have been converted to commodes, especially those of half round design, and reproductions and fakes are plentiful. A bombe commode is a commode with rounded sides and front, giving the chest a somewhat swollen look. .
3 item(s) found:
A 19th century Australian cedar commode chair, circa 1860 the overhanging top rail above a plain cross rail, down swept arms on turned supports above a drop in seat enclosing a ceramic pot with wooden lid above a shaped apron raised on turned legs
A cedar kidney commode, circa 1840. Height 44 cm. Width 52 cm depth 31 cm
A huon pine box commode stool c1850 44 x 40 cm old worn finish