Longevity Luohan Daybed

This large luohan daybed anchors its surroundings with its monumental scale and bold, decorative carvings. Known as a luohan chuang, or couch bed, this form of low-backed daybed emerged during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368) and was used as a surface for reclining, playing games, and gathering for food and drink.

This grand luohan dates to the mid-19th century and is crafted of northern elm (yumu) with mortise-and-tenon joinery methods, without the use of nails or screws. Darkened by a thin layer of brown lacquer the wooden frame has aged beautifully from years of use, now gently faded and textured by deep grooves along the wood grain.

The back railing is comprised of inset panels carved in low relief with a large shou character (壽), a traditional motif for longevity. Additional carvings decorate the legs and uppermost railing and tightly woven rattan stretches across the seat, reinforced by an underlying board.