Chinese Daybed with Ru Yi Motif

A low black daybed with cloud-scroll panels carved across the back.

This daybed with ru yi motif is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the 18th century. It is lacquered elm wood. Collectors generally weigh aesthetics, age, condition, design, origin and provenance when judging antique furniture, though the article argues that scarcity ends up with the greatest influence on value. Long couch form with a three-part back and side rails pierced with scroll-like cloud shapes. The seat is flat and dark, set above a plain apron, and the legs turn inward at the feet. The finish is black with brown wear. It is 86 inches long, 39 deep and 30 high.

Cloud-shaped carving, and enough seat for a nap.