Rare Huanghuali Waisted Six-Post Canopy Bed

Early Qing Period
Canopy Bed
Cocobolo (Huanghuali)
202×126×203 cm

• The bed features columns at each of its four corners, supporting a top shelf, with two additional door pillars at the front. These pillars connect the enclosure to the corner columns, collectively upholding the top shelf. The bottom ends of both the corner and door pillars are designed to resemble traditional architectural "column bases" and are joined using mortise and tenon joints, creating a classic Ming-style six-post canopy bed.
• Encircling the bed’s top is an ornamental canopy, intricately carved with cherry blossom and ruyi motifs, and framed with clean lines. Notably, the lower section of the canopy is left without decorative aprons, maintaining a refined simplicity.
• The bed's enclosure showcases a patchwork design, skillfully arranged to depict a square swastika "卍" motif.
• Its structure boasts thick edges that gracefully taper towards the bottom. The waist and apron, carved from a single piece of wood, integrate seamlessly with the legs and feet through inserted shoulder joints. These joints form a subtle horseshoe curve on the interior.
• Crafted entirely from squared timber, the bed's silhouette is accentuated with recessed lines, while the main frame and horseshoe feet preserve the natural contour of the wood. This results in an elegant fusion of straight and curved lines, achieving a balance of form and function with immaculate, graceful proportions.

Reference and image source: China Guardian (HK) Auctions Co., Ltd.