main body waisted, four hoofed legs, removable seat frame, beaded apron and legs; two sides and back each made from single pieces of wood; slightly rounded at top; beaded fronts and back; coiled hornless dragons adorn front of back and arms

Couch Bed, 17th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This large waisted couch is constructed primarily from t'ieh-li-mu, a hardwood with a coarse, fibrous structure that is extremely dense and strong. Less expensive than huang-hua-li but, equal in strength, it was a good timber to meet the structural demands imposed by the long spans of the standard couch bed frame. Perhaps because he was working with a wood that lacked the innate beauty of huang-hua-li, the cabinetmaker has created visual interest by decorating the three solid board rails with dragon roundels carved in high relief.

Details
Title
Couch Bed
Role
Artist
Accession Number
97.129a-e
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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main body waisted, four hoofed legs, removable seat frame, beaded apron and legs; two sides and back each made from single pieces of wood; slightly rounded at top; beaded fronts and back; coiled hornless dragons adorn front of back and arms