Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1850s.
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.
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
External Dimensions:
Headboard height = 135cm or 53?” or 4ft 5?”
Footboard height = 135cm or 53?” or 4ft 5?”
External width = 152cm or 60” or 5ft
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”
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 bed is solid in joint and ready to use.
UK Delivery:
Delivery to any address in mainland England & Wales is £79. Assembly is an additional £95.
Free 14 Days UK Returns & Refunds:
A free 14-day “no quibble” returns policy (from the date you receive the item) is available if you are not happy with this item. We will collect the item free of charge from you (we do not charge a return fee / collection fee).
UK Buyer Payment:
For UK buyers, we accept cash on collection or delivery; cheque, credit card, BACS or PayPal.
International Buyers:
If you live outside of the UK and you would like to purchase this item, please contact us first before purchasing the item so that we can obtain an accurate shipping quote. A returns policy is not available for international buyers. We request payment by bank transfer for international purchases.
About the Seller:
This item is being sold by Yolanda Gray Antiques who is an accredited member of LAPADA and CINOA. Yolanda Gray has dealt in fine art and antique furniture for over 40 years.
Ref: Bed CEL
Yolanda Gray Antiques has dated this piece to the 1850s.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Yolanda Gray Antiques Profile Page
Yolanda Gray Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA
Colonial Ceylonese Carved Rosewood Bed (Circa 1850)
