Commode

Object Name:

Commode

Object ID:

1983.084

Creator:

Clark, David (1820-1882)

Place of Origin:

Peterborough, NH

Date:

circa 1850

Description:

Commode armchair. Windsor style. Made by David Clark (1820-1882), Peterborough, NH; c. 1850. Maple, pine and birch. Black painted with evidence of prior yellowish green and red paint. Arms, probably maple, have red finish and are serpentine with scrolled ends. Crest rail has stenciled design of basket of pumpkins in orange gold with leaves behind the basket in yellow and orange. On each end is a camel with two attendants in gold. Also floral pattern around the attendants. Chair spindles are maple, painted black with gold highlights suggesting bamboo turnings. The seat has a hole with bevelled edge; hole is covered by a round lid (1983.84 b) of pine also painted black, but once red. There are finger holes to lift lid. Under the seat hole is a wooden box, which is to hold a pot or bucket. Rear of box has door with wooden knob; door attached with two hinges; birch cornerblocks within box. Chair legs are square in cross-section where it meets the box sides, then turned below. Flat faces of leg fronts have gold line decoration. Written in black paint under seat, "D. Clark / Peterbo / NH".

Material:

Wood
Maple
Pine
Birch

Dimensions:

H-41 W-23.5 D-16.875 inches

Provenance:

Purchased from Peter Hill, Inc., upon the recommendation of Charles E. Buckley.

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Purchase

People:

Clark, David (1820-1882), Buckley, Charles E. (1919-2011)

Subjects:

Commodes (Washstands)