A handsome 19th century French Louis XVI style walnut commode sauteuse, circa 1890s, handcrafted in Gordes, one of Provence’s celebrated hilltop villages, dramatically perched above the Luberon Valley and known for its centuries-old stone architecture and long tradition of Provençal craftsmanship. With its geometric inlay, beautifully figured woods, and elegant neoclassical proportions, this petite commode has a lighter, more graceful presence than the traditional full-height French commode.
The French term commode sauteuse refers to a commode raised upon relatively long legs, with the case typically containing two or three substantial drawers rather than extending nearly to the floor. Sauteuse comes from the French verb sauter, meaning “to jump,” giving these distinctive pieces their charming nickname, the “jumping commode," as though the case has sprung upward from the floor.
This example is particularly attractive for its richly decorated façade. Two large drawers are visually divided into three rectangular panels framed with contrasting fruitwood inlay. Fine alternating light-and-dark parquetry banding outlines the panels, while stepped corner motifs introduce an architectural quality perfectly suited to the restrained symmetry of the Louis XVI style. Beautifully figured central fields add another layer of color and movement against the warmer walnut framework.
Original brass hardware provides an elegant finishing touch. Laurel leaf ring pulls ornament the outer panels, while the central escutcheons are embellished with delicate ribbon-and-bow motifs — classical details that complement the neoclassical design without competing with the intricate woodwork.
Fluted corner stiles frame the case and transition into slender tapered legs, reinforcing the clean vertical lines characteristic of Louis XVI furniture. The walnut has developed a warm, mellow patina, with subtle variations in tone, grain, and age-related wear that beautifully complement the contrasting inlays and give the surface the depth and character that only develop naturally over time.
Its petite scale makes this commode sauteuse especially versatile. It would be beautiful as a bedside chest, between windows, in an entry, or beneath a mirror or work of art—anywhere a larger commode might feel too substantial. Two generously sized drawers provide practical storage, while the intricate inlay, original hardware, and graceful neoclassical design give it all the decorative presence of a much larger piece.
*Currently aboard our latest container from France and Italy. Additional photographs will be added once this piece arrives in Birmingham — but you don’t have to wait for the boat. Use Comments & Inquiries to ask about purchasing it before arrival.
Dimensions:
h - 31"
w - 35"
d - 17"
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A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS
Origin: Gordes, Provence, France
Date: Circa 1890s
Style: Louis XVI / Neoclassical
Form: Commode sauteuse, often called a “jumping commode,” raised on long legs with two substantial drawers
Material: Walnut with contrasting fruitwood inlay and original brass hardware
Front: Two large drawers visually divided into three rectangular panels with richly figured central fields
Parquetry & Inlay: Contrasting fruitwood inlay with fine alternating light-and-dark parquetry banding and stepped geometric corner motifs
Hardware: Original brass laurel leaf ring pulls and ribbon-and-bow escutcheons
Detail: Fluted corner stiles and slender tapered legs characteristic of the Louis XVI style
Patina: Warm mellow walnut with subtle variations in tone, grain, and age-related wear highlighting the contrasting inlay
Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate wear
Use: Ideal as a bedside chest, entry commode, accent chest, or beneath a mirror or work of art
Dimensions: 31"H × 35"W × 17"D
Sold: Individually
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