A Ming Dynasty Huanghuali Wood Couch Bed with High Railings.
Platform height: 19 in (48 cm), Rail height: 40.75 in (103.5 cm), Length: 82 in (208 cm), Depth: 42.25 in (120 cm), Circa 1500-1650
Dr. Sarah Handler writes in her forthcoming book, Ming Furniture in the Light of Chinese Architecture, that: "This couch bed is unique among extant hardwood pieces because of its high ornamental railing. The elaborateness of the rail's design is balanced by the soldity of the platform base and its powerful cabriole legs. The bold, sweeping curve of the legs is continued by the apron, which is made from a one and one-half inch thick piece of beautifully grained haunghuali wood and the thick, smoothly rounded edge of the seat frame.The railings consist of panels arranged in horizontal bands, with proportions and motifs carefully adjusted to fit the spaces. Starting with solid panels at the bottom, the railings become more open and dynamic culminating in a single row of lotus flowers in tall vases. On the railing, the lotuses rise above a row of cloud-heads with begonia shaped cartouches below.
The three railings on this bed bear a striking similarity to carved wooden panels and balustrades found in existing Ming houses in Anhui province which were built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries for minor officials and prosperous merchants enriched by the salt monopoly in Huizhou (modern Shexian).
We consider this high-rail couch bed to be one of the most significant and unusual pieces of Chinese furniture ever discovered. It is remarkable not only for its spectacular form but also a design closely associated with early Chinese architecture."