CARVED MAHOGANY FOUR-POSTED BED-STEAD

Philadelphia, c. 1815

Each post turned with a tapering top above a flaring acanthus-carved capital above a deeply reeded shaft above ring turnings and another foliate carved section above a square block with rosettes carved on three sides continuing to a square post above a rectangular section with plain bed bolt covers on two sides above turned acanthus-carved leg on casters. The head and foot boards are paneled with arched pediments flanked by acroterion angularium.  The posts have a "tester" or canopy top.

H: 106½"  L: 83"  W: 69½"

CONDITION: Excellent: Head rail and one tester rail replaced, bolt covers replaced. Modern upholstery.

This spectacular and exceptional carved mahogany four-posted bed-stead was inspired by designs published in London by George Smith in 1808 in his A Collection of Designs for Household Furniture, plate 15 "Bed Pillars with Foot-board" and plate 14, of "Bed Pillars," illustrating the approximate design of these posts.

Two related beds by the same maker are illustrated in Allison and Jonathan A. Boor et al. Philadelphia Empire Furniture, (West Chester, PA.: Boor Management LLC., 2006), 492-493.

B-BBO-98311