Antique Chinese Ta Bed or Day Bed with Mat Top

Asian Antique Ta Bed (Antique Chinese Ta Bed or Day Bed with Mat Top). This antique Chinese day bed or lohan is referred to as a lady's day bed or "ta" bed. This is probably due to its simplicity and to its relative small size. The bed has a single humpback stretcher, in the design of two stylized dragons, on the front and back and two similar stretchers on each side. At each end of the bed's waist are additional dragon designs.

The weaved matting is original and made of hemp. An interesting feature in the construction of the bed are the bowed cross supports pieces under the bed. They are designed to cradle a resting body--supporting the shoulders, the waist and the hips differently. The square legs end in the traditional horse hoof design. The finish reveals a light brown patina, with the original clear lacquer remaining.

In addition to being used today as a day bed, this piece can also be used as a coffee table, by adding a glass top. Antique Asian Furniture & Furnishings: Antique Chinese Ta Bed or Day Bed with Mat Top from Southern China.