Origin of the Bombe Chest

The French Regency and Louis XV
The origins of the bombe chest can be traced back to the French Regency period. After Louis XIV died in 1715, his five year old great grandson was crowned the king of France. However, since Louis XV was too young to rule, Phillipe d'Orleans, nephew of the late Louis XIV, was named regent and ruled in his stead.

During this short time, French craftsmen and furniture-makers waivered from their strict adherence to the classical forms Louis XIV adored and created newer, more casual styles. As a result, furniture shapes became more bowed and round. The signature form of this period was the bombe commode, a stylish chest with a belly-outward curve. These bombe chests were beautifully lacquered with chinoiserie decoration. Chinoiserie refers to lacquered or painted designs inspired by Chinese art made popular during this period, and bombe chests featuring these designs became crucial to the decor of every fashionable house.

The distinctive chinoiserie style of this period inspired by the Orient gave rise to some distinctive, ornate images not seen before in furniture. Thus, bombe chests of this period often featured intricate floral decorations with exotic animal, bird and dragon motifs.

When Louis XV ascended the throne, the curvaceous and opulent bombe chest was already quite popular. Highly favored by Louis XV and his famous mistress, Madame de Pompadour, the bombe chest became all the rage in 1750's Paris.

Modern Bombe Chests
Modern bombe chests offer a twist to the classical, French design. These days, bombe chests are available in a choice of finishes to complement your indoor decor. No longer limited by laborious lacquer technique, these pieces are often hand-painted and are available in a wide range of color, style and cost.