Here is a very rare and stunning quality antique colonial Ceylonese floral carved rosewood double size bed, circa 1850, in excellent condition.
Summary
• Circa 1850
• Period Victorian
• Provenance Sri Lanka
• Fits a standard UK Double Size Mattress (4ft 6” wide x 6ft 3” long)
• Wood Rosewood
• Mirror matched design to head and footboard
• Central leaf pediments
• Exquisite fretwork design
• Stunning floral foliage and vine carvings
• Turned tapered posts with vine carvings
• Four soursop / atemoya fruit corner finials
• Floral carved side rails and frieze
• Floral carved legs
• Original castors
• Designed to be freestanding in centre of room
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Luxury custom mattresses available
• Stunning original patination and colour
• Excellent original condition
• Muslin draping service available
• 14-day free UK returns policy
Here is a very rare and stunning quality antique colonial Ceylonese floral carved rosewood double size bed, circa 1850, in excellent condition, originating from what was then known as British Ceylon and now known as Sri Lanka. The bed boasts a single tier structure with a central leaf pediment, flanked by profuse open fretwork foliage carvings to the shaped head and footboard. Below, the bed frame boasts further fine fretwork carvings of foliage and berries with a further open carved foliage fretwork shaped frieze. This level of detail is mirror matched in both the head and footboard. The side rails also boast similar profuse blind fretwork carvings of foliage and berries. The bed stands on four tapered posts, again, profusely carved with vines and berries. The posts are adorned with soursop or atemoya fruit finials. The legs terminate on shaped floral acanthus leaf legs, with the original mug castors. This bed will fit a standard UK double size mattress (4ft 6” wide by 6ft 3” long). This bed is a truly classic example of Ceylonese colonial furniture from the Victorian period. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed in this piece makes it a stunning wooden work of art. It is rare to see an example today, let alone in excellent condition.
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 features a rich rosewood colour. As it boasts the original polish, it has a fantastic colour and patination, which can only be achieved through age and years of care and cleaning it, has have received.
This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. It quickly dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide affordable good quality custom mattresses. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom.
Provenance
Owing to the level of craftsmanship and fine details in the exquisite carvings on the bed, this bed was most likely commissioned for a wealthy colonialist or a military officer during the 19th Century in what was then known as British Ceylon, a British colony (between 1802 to 1948) and now known as Sri Lanka. The late Anthony Blond (1928 – 2008), a well-known writer and publisher, who spent time in Sri Lanka, purchased this bed in Sri Lanka before relocating to France. You can view Anthony Blond’s obituary by clicking on the following link http//www.theguardian.com/books/2008/mar/01/1
This style of bed was designed to collapse and be transported “flat pack” so it could easily be moved whilst on either military exercises and to their summerhouses in the hills. The size, style and quality of the bed depict the status of the occupier or the military rank of the owner.
Dimensions
External Dimensions
Headboard height = 135cm or 53⅛” or 4ft 5⅛”
Footboard height = 135cm or 53⅛” or 4ft 5⅛”
External width = 152cm or 60” or 5ft
Height from floor to top of side rails = 55.7cm or 21⅞” or 1ft 9⅞”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 46.2cm 18⅛” or 1ft 6⅛”
Side rail depth = 9.5cm or 3¾”
Mattress Dimensions
Length = 191cm or 75” or 6ft 3”
Width (slats) = 138cm or 54” or 4ft 6”
Width (including side rails) = 148.5cm or 58½” or 4ft 10½”
Mattresses
Because antique beds are individually unique and do not always conform to modern mattress dimensions, we also supply a range of customised high quality luxury mattresses for these beds starting from £400. Our mattresses are constructed of natural materials (silk, wool & cashmere) and are hand made in the UK. The price quoted does not include the mattress. Please enquire for a mattress quote.
Condition Report
This bed is in excellent condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges and carvings but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed has a dark rich rosewood colour and retains the original polish finish. The bed features the original castors, with later slats. The bed is constructed of solid rosewood. The level of detail and craftsmanship displayed in this piece makes it a stunning wooden work of art. It is rare to see such an example today, let alone in excellent condition. The bed is solid in joint and ready to use.