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Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
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Oak and Walnut Tester Bed

  • This lavish American oak and walnut tester bed is adorned by elaborate engraving
  • A canopy of folded mahogany silk is supported by engraved columns that frame the overall design
  • The columns allow one to hang curtains to surround the bed for complete darkness at night
  • Such beds were exceptionally popular in the South during the 19th century
  • Get complete item description here
$44,500
Item No. 31-5065

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Description
This lavish American oak and walnut tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail. The design is embellished by elaborate carving throughout in a neoclassical motif the includes shields, crowns, acanthus leaves, laurel wreaths, stylized dolphins and Greco-Roman busts, among others. A canopy of folded mahogany silk is supported by engraved columns that frame the overall design, allowing one to hang curtains to surround the bed for complete darkness at night.

Tester, or canopy, beds. . .
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This lavish American oak and walnut tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail. The design is embellished by elaborate carving throughout in a neoclassical motif the includes shields, crowns, acanthus leaves, laurel wreaths, stylized dolphins and Greco-Roman busts, among others. A canopy of folded mahogany silk is supported by engraved columns that frame the overall design, allowing one to hang curtains to surround the bed for complete darkness at night.

Tester, or canopy, beds were first introduced to high society in the 13th century as an alternative-style bed that allowed for greater seclusion. The first tester beds were made with suspended cords attached to overhead beams on which curtains hung. By the 15th century, canopy beds developed into palatial pieces of furniture. During the reign of William and Mary, the bedsteads became very tall, although they were less wide, in keeping with their loftier rooms. Eventually, tester beds were crafted in more stylized designs, which led furniture makers to consider both functionality and aesthetics when creating these masterpieces. The present bed embodies those that were highly popular in the antebellum South, featuring highly romantic and lavish designs with heavy hung drapes.

Circa 1840

79” wide x 93 1/2” deep x 117” high
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Oak and Walnut Tester Bed
Period: 19th Century
Origin: America
Type: Beds
Depth: 93.5 in. (237.49 cm)
Width: 79.0 in. (200.66 cm)
Height: 117.0 in. (297.18 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.