Summary:
• Circa: 1920
• Period: Art Deco
• Provenance: India
• Will snugly fit a UK King size mattress (5ft wide x 6ft 6” long)
• Mattress frame will allow up to a 5ft 9” wide x 6ft 6” long mattress
• Wood: Mahogany
• Pierced fan shaped head & footboard
• Drop down canopy
• Tapered posts
• Carved central oval disk
• Oval shaped headboard rail with central urn
• Carved cabriole lion paw pad feet
• Designed to be freestanding in centre of room
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Luxury custom mattress sizes available
• Excellent original condition
• Muslin draping service available
• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland*
• Free 14 days UK returns policy
Description:
This is a rare antique king size Art Deco colonial Raj mahogany four-poster bed, circa 1920, in excellent original condition, originating from colonial India. This bed will snugly fit a standard UK king size mattress size (5ft wide by 6ft 6” long) with the slats, or a maximum custom mattress size of 5ft 9” wide by 6ft 6” long lowered (please see section “Lowering the Slats” below for further information). The bed boasts classic Art Deco styling with the lovely pierced oval shaped head and footboard, flanked by pierced fan shaped detail, below a shaped top rail. The centre of the head and footboard are decorated with a small oval carved cartouche and a dome shaped carved panel below. The bed frame incorporates rectangular side rails and is raised on cabriole shaped legs, adorned with foliate carvings at the knees, terminating on lion paw pad feet. The bedframe incorporates four tapering posts, which support a drop down canopy. The superstructure lends itself to be dressed with romantic muslin drapes. Please note, the bed can be used without the posts and canopy (i.e. not as a four poster bed). This bed boasts a lovely mellow mahogany colour, which retains the original polish and patination.
The bed was designed to be freestanding in the centre of a room; this is why the back of the headboard is also carved and features a mirror match design so that the bed can stand in either direction.
This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide affordable good quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom and ideal for those who prefer a wider bed.
Provenance:
The style of these beds dates from 1840 until 1947 (until Indian Independence). The beds were constructed for the British Raj, their families and the British Military in Colonial India. The beds were designed to collapse and be transported “flat pack” so could easily be moved whilst on military exercises and to their summerhouses in the hills. They were made when the Raj was at its height. The size, style and quality of the bed depict the status of the occupier or the military rank of the owner. They were made from the finest wood usually Mahogany, Teak or Sissoo wood (a member of the rosewood family).
Dimensions:
External Dimensions:
External Height = 211.5cm or 83¼” or 6ft 11¼”
External length = 210.5cm or 82⅝” or 6ft 10¼
External width = 183cm or 72” or 6ft
Headboard height = 114cm or 44⅞” or 3ft 8⅞”
Footboard height = 113cm or 44½” or 3ft 8½”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 50cm or 19⅝” or 1ft 7⅝”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 40.3cm or 15⅞” or 1ft 3⅞”
Side rail depth = 9.7cm or 3⅞”
Mattress Dimensions (slats not lowered):
Length = 194cm or 76⅜” or 6ft 4⅜”
Width (slats) = 169cm or 66½” or 5ft 6”
Width (including side rails) = 176cm or 69¼” or 5ft 9¼”
Mattress Dimensions (slats lowered):
Length = 194cm or 76⅜” or 6ft 4⅜”
Width = 166cm or 65⅜” or 5ft 5”
It is advised that 1” should be removed from the mattress width dimension if the slats are being lowered. Between 2”-3” (in total) should be removed from the above mattress length dimension to allow the mattress to comfortably fit on the bed between the headboard and footboard. Please contact us for further clarification of the suggested mattress dimension.
Condition Report:
This bed is in excellent original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and polish but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed, which retains the original polish and patination, boasts a rich dark brown colour, with a light satin French polish finish. It is extremely difficult to replicate this colour and patination with furniture that has been re-polished. The bed is constructed of solid mahogany and boasts a superior structure. It is well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use.
Terms & Conditions:
Before you purchase this item, please ensure you have read and are in agreement with our Terms & Conditions of Sale. If you have any questions regarding our Terms & Conditions of Sale, please contact us to discuss them, before purchasing this item.
Ref. A262