{"product_id":"chinese-elm-kang-daybed-opium-couch-ming-revival-late-qing-c-1890-1920","title":"Chinese Elm Kang Daybed \/ Opium Couch, Ming Revival, Late Qing, c.1890–1920","description":"\u003cp\u003eA finely carved Chinese elm kang daybed from northern China, likely Shanxi province, dating to the late Qing–early Republic period, circa 1890–1920. Executed in the Ming revival style, this piece features an openwork carved apron, circular coin medallion stretcher, inward scrolling feet, hidden drawers, and a woven mat seat over a solid plank platform—combining architectural presence with refined decorative detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"723\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003eThis Chinese elm kang daybed, often referred to as an opium couch, reflects the enduring influence of Ming furniture traditions in northern workshop production during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The long rectangular platform is framed by a carved apron incorporating pierced openwork panels and centered by a circular coin medallion stretcher, an auspicious motif symbolizing prosperity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1512\"\u003eThe seat retains its woven mat surface laid over a structural plank base, offering both strength and visual lightness in keeping with traditional kang furniture design. Along the apron, two concealed drawers are seamlessly integrated into the carved framework—features associated with higher-quality examples and originally intended for storing personal or smoking accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1514\" data-end=\"1900\"\u003eThe back rail is fitted with pierced double-ruyi cloud carvings, while the end apron incorporates a stylized ruyi motif, reinforcing a decorative program rooted in auspicious symbolism. The inward scrolling feet, together with the balanced proportions and segmented apron construction, reflect a more refined workshop tradition often associated with northern Chinese merchant interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"2031\"\u003eBoth functional and sculptural, the piece works equally well as a daybed, bench, or statement seating element within an interior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1a1mgdn\" data-start=\"138\" data-end=\"173\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"173\"\u003eThe Principal’s Perspective\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"454\"\u003eA well-resolved example of northern Chinese kang furniture from the late Qing–early Republic period, with features that place it above more typical examples—most notably the carved openwork apron, coin medallion stretcher, inward scrolling feet, and integrated concealed drawers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"730\"\u003ePieces of this type have seen steady demand from both designers and collectors, particularly those that combine strong form with clear regional character. Its scale, functionality, and sculptural presence allow it to move easily between decorative object and usable seating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"732\" data-end=\"924\"\u003eAs an investment, this form occupies a stable position within the market—valued for its craftsmanship and adaptability, with continued relevance in both traditional and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2036\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1nm7inv\" data-start=\"2038\" data-end=\"2068\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2068\"\u003eMeasurements \u0026amp; Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"160\" data-end=\"201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"160\" data-end=\"175\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"175\" data-end=\"178\"\u003e73ʺ W × 29ʺ D × 27ʺ H, seat height 20\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"160\" data-end=\"201\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"414\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"214\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Northern China, likely Shanxi province\u003cbr data-start=\"253\" data-end=\"256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"265\"\u003eDate:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 1890–1920\u003cbr data-start=\"281\" data-end=\"284\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"293\"\u003eWood:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chinese elm (\u003cem data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"313\"\u003eyumu\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003cbr data-start=\"314\" data-end=\"317\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"317\" data-end=\"326\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eSeat:\u003c\/strong\u003e woven rattan mat over structural plank platform\u003cbr data-start=\"374\" data-end=\"377\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"377\" data-end=\"387\"\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ming revival \/ Late Qing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"530\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"416\" data-end=\"429\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e carved openwork apron, circular coin medallion stretcher, concealed drawers, inward scrolling feet\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"June Hastings Collections","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45824369655981,"sku":null,"price":5295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0714\/7038\/3277\/files\/ChineseMingstyleOpiumbed4.jpg?v=1773680087","url":"https:\/\/junehastingscollections.com\/products\/chinese-elm-kang-daybed-opium-couch-ming-revival-late-qing-c-1890-1920","provider":"June Hastings Collections","version":"1.0","type":"link"}