Ming Dynasty Furniture: Rattan Bed Style
Transcription:
"The lower bed frame is 1 foot 9.5 inches high, 5 feet 7.08 inches long, and 3 feet 1.55 inches wide. The upper posts are 4 feet 1 inch high, and the half screen is 1 foot 8.4 inches high. The bed ridge (top) is 3 feet wide and 5 feet 6 inches long. The frame is 1.3 inches thick. The bed square is 5.2 inches large and 1.2 inches thick, with a straight line groove for weaving rattan. The footboard is 1 foot 2 inches large and 4 inches high. Alternatively, the upper frame can be made 1.2 inches thick. The legs are 2.6 inches in diameter and 1.3 inches thick, with a half-miter joint."
Proofreading:
① "hou" (back) should be "thick".
Explanation of Terms:
Rattan Bed: This bed has a rattan-woven surface, hence the name "rattan bed". However, this term may not be entirely accurate as many Ming-style canopy beds and monk beds also have rattan surfaces.
Upper Posts: Columns standing at the four corners of the bed that support the bed canopy.
Half Screen: Refers to the bed railing. It is called a half screen because it is about half the height of the bed canopy.
Bed Ridge: "Ridge" implies height; it refers to the top of the bed.
Straight Line Groove: A groove is carved along the large edge and the end piece of the bed frame with holes drilled to weave palm rope and rattan strips.