These rather inconspicuous looking tables open out to reveal a stool and chamber pot. The top lifts up and the two doors are unlocked from the inside. The chamber pot is easily removable and even has its own special cover for when not in use. The function of the night table, in the 18th century, was disguised in various manners, sometimes as a small commode on legs or as we have here a miniature cupboard. The term commode, as we know it today, was not used in the 18th century for this type of furniture. Its modern interpretation did not come into common usage until the Victorian times and probably originated in America.
Made en suite with the clothes press and dressing commode they are painted green and decorated with gilded chinoiserie scenes in imitation of the black lacquer ware imported from the East, which was highly sought after. Only two other patrons, Sir Edward Knatchbull at Mersham Le Hatch and Sir Rowland Winn at Nostell Priory, ordered similar green japanned bedroom furniture. The fashion for chinoiserie was however very popular, in particularly for ladies bedrooms, and had been since the importation of Chinese and Japanese goods began in the 17th century. It reached it's peak in the mid 18th century with the emergence of the rococo style and continued with the Neo-classical style as can be seen here. The chinoiserie decoration is taken even further, on these two pieces, and incorporated into the actual design. This can be seen in the tapering legs, which resemble bamboo, therefore giving the piece an overall oriental feel
Night Table
c.1769-70
The Earl & Countess of Harewood, & the Trustees of the Harewood House Trust
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