Antique Italian Empire Cherrywood Commode, 1800s

Details

Description

An exceptional early 19th-century Italian Empire cherrywood commode (cassettone), masterfully crafted in Lucca (Tuscany) during the Napoleonic era, circa 1810. … Read more An exceptional early 19th-century Italian Empire cherrywood commode (cassettone), masterfully crafted in Lucca (Tuscany) during the Napoleonic era, circa 1810. Sourced from the master bedroom of a prestigious private historic villa in Tuscany, this stately 3-drawer chest of drawers showcases a magnificent contrast between warm, honey-toned cherrywood, striking ebonized wood columns, and delicate gold leaf accents.
Design, Anatomy & Key Searchable Features
This antique dresser embodies the rigorous elegance of the Lucchese Empire style, heavily influenced by French court designs:

The Architecture: The commode cabinet features three large, deep drawers with flawless book-matched cherrywood veneers that highlight the natural, luminous grain of the solid wood.
The Columns: The front corners are flanked by two monumental, full-round ebonized pillars topped with hand-carved, giltwood capitals in authentic gold leaf.
The Feet: The base is supported by magnificent, architectural ring-turned baluster legs (feet a trottola) featuring alternating bands of ebonized wood and gold leaf details.
Hardware: It retains its original, finely detailed circular hand hammered brass drawer pulls and rosettes with an authentic historic patina.
En-Suite Availability & Interior Styling
Originally positioned in one of the villa’s primary master suites, a matching Empire wardrobe / armoire from the exact same commission is also available for purchase, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a complete, historically intact en-suite bedroom set.
In modern high-end interiors, this versatile statement storage piece adds instant character:

Master Bedroom: Use it as a luxury bedroom dresser or clothes storage chest beneath an antique gilt mirror.
Living Room or Hallway: Place it as a focal credenza or sideboard in an entryway or formal living space, topped with contemporary art and ceramic lamps.
The Tuscan Villa Collection Provenance
This Empire commode belongs to an elite, single-owner private collection from a historic estate in Tuscany, where it has been proudly preserved and passed down through the same noble lineage for generations. Having never emerged on the international art market until now, the piece retains its untouched historic soul, authentic patina, and impeccable pedigree, representing an extraordinary acquisition opportunity for discerning collectors and world-class interior designers.
Condition Report
Excellent antique condition. The solid cherrywood structure is incredibly heavy, stable, and structurally sound. The drawers slide smoothly. The original shellac finish has been beautifully preserved over the decades, displaying a gorgeous honey patina. Minor historic surface wear and small restorations to the veneer consistent with over 200 years of age and gentle use.
Dimensions

Height: 105 cm (41.34 in)
Width: 120 cm (47.24 in)
Depth: 58 cm (22.83 in) See less