18th Century Regence Period Carved Walnut Lyonnaise Commode 'Arbalete'

Hand-carved in walnut wood during the 1700s, this lovely commode hails from Bordeaux, France. The top has a subtle arbalete curve with quarter-round molding, while the sides have a m...

In French, arbalete means “crossbow” and is typically used to describe the shape of furniture when the frontage has been carved in a sinuous manner. When the profile is viewed from above, it resembles the European Medieval crossbow. In the case of this walnut commode from Provence, the form is double arbalete. Two iron swag handles are affixed to each of the three stacked drawers by parted shell mounts. In between the pulls is a sinuous plate that surrounds a keyhole. Each drawer maintains the arbalete structure created by the thinly molded top. The apron is highly shaped, with many small arbaletes strung together. In the center is a gadrooned leaf and floret medallion surrounded by volute scrolls. The sides are straight but consist of recessed rectangular panels with asymmetrical tops...

Walnut and burled walnut. In 1700s France, the commode was considered the finest piece of furniture in the chateau. It was also placed in the most important areas so it could be seen. This particular commode from Bourgogne or Vallee du Rhone area, is very rare in its shape and storage area. The shaped sides are small cabinets with one shaped shelf each. Each door opens to the back so that the contents are kept private from any guests. The 'galbee' front features three full drawers with brass hardware. The veneered wooden insets on the drawers and sides are all burled walnut wood. All this rests upon four outward shaped feet. There are three keys for opening the side cabinets and front drawers. This rare and large French commode...

Attributed to the famed Parisian interior decorator firm, Maison Jansen, this Regence-style commode from the early 1900s features a beautiful parquetry of dark brown and honey-colore...

Exceptional and rare early 18th century Regence period Lyonnaise commode galbé (curved), handcrafted from select French walnut by master artisans in ...

This rare and unusual Lyonnaise commode dates back to the 18th century and is made of beautifully carved walnut. The piece features five drawers with the original bronze handles and escutcheons. The top row features a secret center drawer that opens only when the flanking drawers are ajar. The carved walnut and bronze casting combines to display balance and beautiful craftsmanship. The piece is part of the collection from The French Antique Shop...

Beautifully carved 18th century walnut commode.

This 18th century Lyonnaise commode is simply exquisite. The piece is made of walnut in the Regence in style and features three drawers, all with the original bronze d’ore handles and escutcheons. The walnut top is contoured beautifully, and the front, three drawers, scroll feet, and contoured bottom are all beautifully hand carved. This piece is a collection of a fourth generation, family owned business in New Orleans called The French Antique Shop. The store was first opened by Marie and Marcel Granet in Paris when they married in 1927. A jewish family, they came to the United States before the outbreak of the Second World War, leaving on the last boat out of Paris' port, Le Havre. When they reached New Orleans, they fell in love with the Vieux Carre...