Antique Chinese Opium Wedding Bed

Antique Chinese Opium Wedding Bed Intricately Carved.

This bed has been Sold. To view all of our wedding beds CLICK HERE.

It is difficult for words to describe this stunning Antique Chinese wedding opium bed.

This bed is like a small enclosed alcove built on a raised platform. The front has elaborate detailed carvings and gilding around the entrance opening.

Front Details:

Each side of the opening has a panel divided into 6 sections with rounded corner posts. Each of the sections vary in size and style, but they all have relief carved scenes and designs. The largest section on each side also has pierced carvings in addition to the relief carvings. All panels are adorned with many colors and have mica chips embedded on the surface to reflect light.

At the top of each of the side panels are a pair of hand carved corbels. The carvings closest to the opening are very detailed Foo dogs, while the outside carvings are rabbits. Between the corbels is a carved panel with pierced carvings below.

Between the end panels is a beautiful hand carved header that feature a pair of Phoenix birds, or fenghuang. The fenghuang is often used to decorate antique Chinese wedding beds as they symbolize blissful relations between husband and wife. Above the Phoenix birds are 3 carved panels that match the ones on top of the end panels.

The top of this antique Chinese wedding bed has a very ornate cornice that runs the entire length of the front. The cornice is comprised of 3 rows, each one stepped out from the section below it. The cornice rests on the 4 carved corbels at the top of the side sections.

Each row in the cornice is divided into 5 sections that have both relief carvings and pierced carvings. The reflective mica chips are also used around the carved panels. The middle row has a small hand carved bird between each panel. The wings of the birds are fastened with small springs that allow the wings to move.

Platform Details:

The raised platform of this Chinese antique wedding bed is divided into 2 sections that are held together by part of the side frame. At some point a single layer was put on the platform with a woven material applied. This layer has been cut to keep the platform in it’s intended 2 sections. This make moving the platform and assembling the bed much easier.The cut is slightly rough but the platform is usually covered with a mattress.

Back Details:

The back wall of the bed is made up of 5 panels. Each panel has a small solid flat section at the top that is above a larger open window. Inside the window is some carved decorative framework. Below the windows is a small section with relief carvings and the mica chips. The large lower section is a flat panel with hand drawn ink designs. The panels each have a sliding wood panel that can be raised to block off the windows. They are held up with a small pivoting wood piece.

Side Details:

The sides of the bed are each made up of 3 panels that are the same as the ones in the back except they do not have the carvings around the window openings.

Ceiling Details:

The ceiling of the alcove has wood framework that can be covered with wood panels. The panels are included although you may chooses to leave them off for better air circulation.

General:

This bed as shown in the photos has been assembled almost entirely without fasteners, but some screws do make assembly easier. The stepped out cornice has 2 wires that run from the back of the top to the ceiling framework. This is done to take some of the stress off the cornice as it can be top heavy.

This antique Chinese wedding bed is functional as well as decorative. It can be used as a sleeping bed or in a more formal room for seating.

This bed is delivered disassembled, but two people should be able to put it together in about less than 2 hours.We will send photos of the basic steps and the pieces are marked as far as location (blue tape shown on some pieces).

As can be seen in the photos, there are some age cracks in the wood and several small missing or repaired pieces in the carvings and also on the platform. While not perfect, it would be extremely difficult to find another bed this beautiful and of this quality. There is currently a sale online for only the front sections of a similar bed at far more than we are asking for the entire bed. If this bed is to be delivered within a 5 hour drive of Charlotte, NC, you have the option of personal delivery and assembly for an additional $250.00.

If you need to see additional photos or have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

Antique Chinese Opium Wedding Bed, Intricately Carved and detailed.

Chinese Wedding Bed Specifications:

Region: Zhejiang Provence

Material: Mixed Wood
Approx Age: 1850, Qing Dynasty

Approx. Dimensions: 84″ Wide, 55″ Deep Outside Dimensions at base,

Platform Height: 16″, 79″ wide x 51″ deep Inside dimensions at floor (Uses a Full Size Mattress).

76″ Tall to top of frame, 88″ tall to top of cornice. (stepped out cornice projects out approx. 14″ at the top).

SKU # ML-021923

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