Museum quality southern Dowry Bed-Chamber - circa 1900

From the city of Lishui located north-west of Wenzow in the Zheijing Province, this magnificent museum quality bed-chamber was part of the dowry of the first wife of the first son of a very prominent and wealthy land owner. As was the custom she was in her late teens and, being an aristocrat had her feet bound. He was in his early teens and later had three more wives.

We purchased it on our first buying trip in 1997 from one of the few antique dealers who had a passion and knowledge of the antiques that he was selling.It was tucked away in one of the back warehouses and with some difficulty and cost we were able purchase it. It took over a year to convince the dealer to have our agent and his buyer travel the 18 hours to Lishui and interview the family about the history of the Bed-Chamber.They charged about 25 cents a question. The reason for its sale was to raise money for his sons wedding. The next day they returned to photograph the exterior of the home and were asked to pay again. They refused and were subsequently driven away.

This "Work of Art" took over five months to create by five craftsman and comprises 82 pieces that assemble like a "Chinese Puzzle". Traditional Chinese cabinetry methods do not use nails, screws or glue and can incorporate very sophisticated joinery systems. Its large size is quite unique, with an over size sleeping alcove and a three section deep "porch" holding his and hers chairs. The exceptionally detailed carvings, superbly painted, are as fine as any found. Some wear is evident on the inside of the left hand entrance post that would indicate that she always entered on that side and sat in the smaller chair facing the entrance to her bed room. As was the tradition she would have raised her children in her room with her husband having his own quarters from which to spend a night of two with the wife of his choice.

Considering the dilapidated condition of this compound home, it is remarkable that this delicate bed-chamber was in such remarkable original condition with virtually no restoration required. The Chinese are very superstitious about bad "joss" or luck that might be attached to old furniture and subsequently even to this day there is very demand for "used" furniture. It would be interesting to know why this bed-chamber survived as it did, was she loved or feared?

We later purchased a Paladin or Marriage Carriage that had come from Lishui that was about the same age but of a lesser quality. The Bata Shoe Museums "Every Step a LOTUS" Exhibition that ran from January 2001 to June 2002 featured our Paladin plus many other items that we had on loan. It was later sold to the Newark Museum for their permanent collection.

In 2005, two senior curators of the National Museum in Beijing visiting the ROM, came to our store and were extremely impressed, commenting that they had not seen a finer example of this late Qing Dynasty Bed-Chamber.

Truly an exceptional piece of art and craftsmanship suitable for the finest of collections!

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