Lot 1569. A huanghuali waisted daybed, ta, 17th-18th century; 17¼ in. (43.7 cm.) high, 75 in. (190.5 cm.) wide, 31 7/8 in. (81 cm.) deep. Estimate USD 200,000 - USD 300,000. Price realised USD 315,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013. 

The well-proportioned bed has a narrow waist, which supports a sturdy rectangular frame enclosing the hard mat seat. The bed is raised on sturdy, slightly inward curving legs of square section, connected by shaped, beaded aprons carved in relief with ruyi heads at the corner.

Provenance: John Ang, Singapore, 1990s.

Note: The use of the daybed was manifold - during the day, it served as a sitting platform; at night a bed. Due to its simple design and light weight, the daybed was a versatile piece of furniture, easily suited for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Woodblock prints dating from the Ming dynasty often show scholars or ladies relaxing on daybeds in garden settings or along riverbanks. For uses of the daybed as indoor and outdoor seating during the Ming dynasty, refer to Wang et al., Masterpieces from the Museum of Classical Chinese Furniture, Chicago and San Francisco, 1995, p. 6.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 19 - 20 September 2013