The market for Chinese furniture has come on leaps and bounds in 20 years.
When in 2002 this impressive huanghuali six-post canopy bed shown right was offered at Christie’s New York as part of a country house collection, it was acquired by the UK buyer for $3000. It probably dates from c.1700, the late Ming or the early Qing period.
Offered for sale at Dore & Rees (25% buyer’s premium) in Frome on November 8, it carried a ‘refer to department’ estimate of around £100,000. It was in good display condition although condition issues included four missing archaistic dragon roundels, old repairs to the uprights and some of the humpback stretchers had been replaced. The hammer price was £140,000.