Chinese Opium Bed with Foo Lion Footpads

Low platform with railed sides, carved gilt beasts for feet, and a very relaxed attitude.

This opium bed with foo lion footpads is from Fujian Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is lacquered, gilded & painted pine wood. During the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, a great deal of antique Chinese furniture was burned, confiscated or scattered, which the article says helped start the scarcity of such pieces. Wide platform seat with a three-sided low rail in dark worn lacquer. A scalloped apron runs below, and the curved legs end in gilded creature-shaped feet. The flat surface shows wear and fine cracks. It is 80 inches long, 48 deep and 28 high.

Feet this fancy need a floor worthy of them.