The term 'commode' is borrowed from France when it was first used, in 1708, to refer to chest of drawers. They became very fashionable items in the early 18th century, but it was not until the 1740's that the term was adpoted in England when French fashions became particularly popular. The term commode as we know it today did not come into use until the Victorian period and it probably originated in America.
Dressing commodes are so called because the upper drawer, like the one here, often contain compartments to hold cosmetic bottles for cream, powder and perfume as well as trays for combs and brushes. The cupboard opens out to reveal a painted red interior, which contrasts dramatically with the green and gold exterior. Inside are a set of four sliding shelves used for laying clothes flat. Clothes were folded and stored on these shelves rather than hung, as was common in the 16th and 17th centuries, because clothes had become much thinner and lighter and therefore were not constrained by weight or bulkiness.
Made en suite with the clothes press and two bedside tables for the Chintz Bedroom, it is painted green and decorated with gilded chinoiserie scenes in imitation of the black lacquer ware imported from the East and 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 and 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.
Dressing Commode
c.1769-70
The Earl & Countess of Harewood, & the Trustees of the Harewood House Trust
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