QING DYNASTY (1644-1911)

In the traditional Chinese domestic setting, the bed is among the most important pieces of furniture. Its large size meant that it would dominate the bedroom, and was probably the most expensive item to commission, due to the large amount of timber used. It was common practice to use drapery to create a private world within a closed curtain. During the daytime a bed would be used, with curtains drawn, for entertaining guests, often seated around small items of furniture designed to be accommodated on the beds. At night, the curtains would be closed and the bed would become a private world of rest and intimacy.

The decorative motifs on beds often have symbolic connotations and auspicious wishes. The current canopy bed is carved on back and front panels with ruyi motifs surrounding characters fu, lu, and shou translating to prosperity, success and longevity, and are thought to bring good fortune to the owner. Compare to a 17th-18th century huanghuali six-post canopy bed, with openwork railings carved with chilong interspersed with the characters fu, lu and shou, sold at Christie’s New York, 22 March 2024, lot 1112.

This item is made of a type of Dalbergia wood which is subject to CITES export/import restrictions since 2 January 2017. This item can only be shipped to addresses within Hong Kong or collected from our Hong Kong saleroom and office unless a CITES re-export permit is granted. Please contact the department for further information.