Harrington Commode – Most Expensive Piece of English Furniture
The Harrington Commode is officially the most expensive English furniture item after being sold in an auction on the 7th of December by Sotheby’s London for the whooping price of £3,793,250 ($5,980,438), over three times its estimate. The price trumped the previous record set in June 2008 over at Christie’s for a George II Parcel-Gilt Padouk Cabinet-on- Stand also attributed to Thomas Chippendale, which sold for £2,729,250 ($5,324,763).
The Harrington Commode is thought to have been crafted around 1770 by London cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, whose Rococo and Neoclassical works informed the style of the period. The most expensive piece of English furniture is made of gilt-lacquered fustic, rosewood and tulipwood mounted with brass.
The battle over the Harrington Commode took about 15 minutes. Commenting on the sale, Henry House, Head of English Furniture at Sotheby’s and the auctioneer for the sale, commented: This remarkable commode which is outstandingly beautiful in both form and condition, was keenly contested by five bidders, the final price demonstrating true demand in the market for items of real quality, and one which I feel is justly deserved for an item that has been an honour to sell.
Harrington Commode - Most Expensive Piece of English Furniture
Harrington Commode - Most Expensive Piece of English Furniture
Harrington Commode - Most Expensive Piece of English Furniture
Harrington Commode - Most Expensive Piece of English Furniture
