Antique Day Bed From a Chinese Scholar Studio

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One of the lingering images in my head from my days as a graduate student studying Chinese Paintings is a … Read more One of the lingering images in my head from my days as a graduate student studying Chinese Paintings is a scholar relaxing on a bed outside a small room with an open front. The bed was a flat surface without railings and on four legs. Chinese called the bed a Ta (榻) / Chuang (床): The ta is a simple, low, rectangular platform with or without a small railing. The chuang is a similar but usually longer platform that was traditionally used for both sitting and sleeping. I found this bed in a shop in a small town near Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton. It looked like it has withstood some weathering, as evident by the appearance of the elm wood. The large mortise and tenon joints are good signs of age. When it was found in a furniture market near Canton, it needed some restoration and the tightly woven bamboo mat has to be replaced. But it has presence - the scrolling apron and the arrow feet are definitely designs that retained the last vestiges of the furniture style unique to Shanxi Province. The broad mitered frame makes a sturdy frame. The tightly woven bamboo mat is placed over a net of newly restrung strings woven in a small crisscross pattern, providing a softer surface than a bed board, yet providing a good support for seating or sleeping.

The long daybed is versatile as an extra bed, or lounge, or a long coffee table. The traditional style blends in with modern style of decorating. See less