Suanzhi wood canopy bed inlaid with mother-of-pearl and marble

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

The four-post canopy bed is made of suanzhi (lit. sour-bough) wood, a type of richly-hued durable tropical hardwood that is also referred to as hongmu wood. 

The four posts are joined on three sides with carved barrier panels below a narrow railing. Three stretchers are installed to connect the two neighboring posts, sans the front pair. A decorative door frame is attached to the front of the bed. 

The bed is supported with ingeniously designed cabriole legs, each with a foot in the shape of a three-toed claw holding a ball. 

The entire bed is broadly adorned with relief carvings of birds and flowers, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Additionally, the bed’s platform, aprons and door frame are embedded with marble panels of various shapes.