Antique 5ft King Size Colonial Raj Four Poster Day Bed (Circa 1800)

Summary:
• Item: Day Bed
• Circa: 1800
• Period: Pre Victorian
• Provenance: India
• Wood: Sissoo wood (a member of the Rosewood family)
• Fits a standard UK King Size Mattress (5ft wide by 6ft 3” long)
• Four ring turned tapered posts
• Heavily carved floral bed frame
• Stunning carved angels as leg supports
• Dismantles for easy transportation
• Affordable custom mattresses available
• Muslin draping service available
• Original polish & patination
• Rich red & brown colour
• Excellent original condition
• 14-day free UK returns policy

This is a rare, very good quality and early antique 5ft wide (king size), early colonial Raj four-poster day bed, boasting the original polish, circa 1800, originating from colonial India. The bed boasts a single tier structure with a heavily carved floral bed frame, incorporating a shaped frieze.  The bed stands on four stunning carved angel legs, featuring wings and prominent faces. The carved frame and legs are prominent on all sides of the bed (including the back). This style of bed was designed to sit in the centre of a room; this is why all sides of the bed are symmetrically carved. The bed frame attaches to four tapering ring turned posts, which support a protruding canopy. The superstructure lends itself to be dressed with romantic fabric drapes.

Retaining the original polish and patination, the bed has a dark rich red and brown colour, with a mid satin polish finish. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood (a member of the Rosewood family) and has a superior structure. This bed would look stunning in either a contemporary or traditional setting. This is a superior quality centrepiece for any bedroom and ideal for those who prefer a wider bed. It dismantles for easy transportation and we can provide affordable good quality custom mattresses.

Provenance:
Colonial Raj beds usually date from 1840 until 1947 (until Indian Independence). However, this bed is much earlier. 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 rose wood family).

External Dimensions:
External height = 225cm or 88½” or 7ft 4½”
External length = 220cm or 86⅝” or 7ft 2⅝”
External width = 171cm or 67¼ or 5ft 7¼”
Height from floor to top of side rails = 43.4cm or 17”
Height from floor to bottom of side rails = 29.4cm or 11½”
Side rail depth = 14cm or 5½”

Mattress Dimensions:
Length = 196cm or 77⅛” or 6ft 5⅞ max
Width (slats) = 140cm or 55⅛” or 4ft 7⅛” max
Width (including side rails) = 149cm or 58¼” or 4ft 10¼ max

This bed will fit a standard UK king size mattress which is 5ft wide by 6ft 3” long. The mattress shown on the bed in the picture is a king size mattress.

Mattresses:
Because these beds are individually unique and do not always conform to modern mattress dimensions, we also supply a range of customised high quality mattresses for these beds starting from £500. Our mattresses are constructed of natural materials (silk, wool & cashmere) and are hand made in the UK. The mattresses can have the corners removed so to maximise the mattress fit in the super-structure of bed. The price quoted does not include the mattress. Please enquire for a mattress quote.

Draping Service:
We do offer a separate draping service whereby we can dress the bed with any fabric of choice. This service can consist of the basic fabric being wrapped around the canopy, to hanging curtains or, providing a dressed solid roof with hung curtains. Apart from the superior style and presence, this four-poster bed had a practical purpose. The bed would have originally been decorated with a light muslin cotton material to prevent the mosquitos from biting the occupants in bed. The advertised price does not include drapes. Please contact us for a quote.

Condition Report:
This bed is in excellent original condition, which is commensurate with its age. Some nominal old use marks to the leading edges but nothing significant considering the age of the item. This bed, which retains the original polish, boasts a dark rich brown and red colour, with a light gloss polish finish. The bed is constructed of sissoo wood (a member of the Rosewood family) and has a superior structure. The bed is 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. A245