A Chinese Qing Dynasty period wooden lady's opium bed from the 19th century, with rattan seat, pillow, two small drawers and auspicious carved cloudy motifs. Created in China during the Qing Dynasty period in the 19th century, this opium daybed features a removable pierced back adorned with auspicious carved cloud motifs, connected on one of its sides to an arm covered with rattan (and also removable), made for the opium den customer (in this case for a lady) to recline her head against. The history of opium dens started some 300 years ago and is rooted in the trade relations between England and China. Opium dens in the 19th century catered to all layers of society, but differed in furnishings and attendants.
Rich customers would lay on a bed and rest their head on opium pillows made either of wood, leather or porcelain. After a little while, the pillow felt like a cloud. The seat here is also covered in rattan and is resting on a pierced apron with humpback stretcher, carved with a delicate floral décor flanked with two small drawers. The ensemble is raised on four legs with scrolling feet, connected to one another through humpback stretchers on the sides. With its carved décor and warm patina, this Qing Dynasty 19th century opium daybed will make for a great decorative addition to any home, particularly placed in a living room.
Share with a friend
