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French or chinese commode

By matistop, 12 March, 2025
Description

Commode has been standing for quite a while in my grandpa's house. Would like to know the value.

Category
Home Furnishings
Condition
Fair
For Sale?
No
Photos
Profile picture for user Charley

Charley

3 months 3 weeks ago

Ornate Commode with Marble Top

Description

  • Type: Antique-style commode (likely French or Chinese influence)
  • Material: Wood with hand-painted lacquer finish, gilded accents, and floral motifs.
  • Top Surface: Marble top, gray with natural veining and signs of wear.
  • Design Style: Resembles Louis XV Rococo or Chinoiserie style, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Condition: Described as fair, with visible signs of age such as minor paint chipping, slight surface wear, and tarnished metal hardware.

Historical Context and Style

  • This commode exhibits strong influences from Louis XV Rococo design, characterized by:
    • Curved lines and ornate detailing
    • Floral motifs and gilded scrollwork
    • Dark lacquer finish with painted scenic designs, possibly inspired by Chinoiserie (a European interpretation of Chinese artistic themes).
  • Chinoiserie furniture often became highly fashionable in France during the 18th century, blending European woodworking techniques with Asian-inspired aesthetics.
  • The marble top suggests European craftsmanship, as this feature was common in French commodes to enhance elegance and durability.

Estimated Value

The value of this commode depends on several factors:

✅ Authenticity: If confirmed to be an original 18th or 19th-century piece, its value would be significantly higher.
✅ Condition: Signs of wear, such as paint chipping and marble surface wear, may lower its value but can be restored.
✅ Craftsmanship & Materials: The detailed hand-painted finish, gilded accents, and marble top enhance its desirability.

Estimated Value Range:

  • $800 – $1,500 USD for a 20th-century reproduction in fair condition.
  • $2,000 – $4,000 USD if identified as a well-preserved 19th-century antique.
  • $5,000+ USD if authenticated as an original 18th-century commode from a notable French maker.

Recommended Steps for Confirmation

  1. Professional Appraisal: Due to its intricate detail and potential value, consulting an expert specializing in European antiques or Chinoiserie furniture is advised.
  2. Restoration Assessment: Light professional restoration, especially for the marble surface and chipped paint, may improve its market value.
  3. Provenance Research: If this piece has family history or documentation linking it to a particular maker or period, this could significantly increase its value.

Where to Sell or Appraise

  • For an authentic antique, consider auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s, or Bonhams.
  • For a reproduction or decorative piece, platforms like 1stDibs, Chairish, or eBay may be ideal.
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