Lotus pond carved bed panel

In traditional Chinese society the bed is the most important piece of furniture in the house. It is not only the place to sleep but also the centre for entertaining close friends and the first meeting place for the newly wedded couple.

The beds have panels of life-like motifs of figures and natural objects. The carving was not simply ornamentation but reflected social values of the time and wishes for happiness and success in life.

The figures often depict historical novels, legends and myths or are symbolic expressions of good wishes. The natural objects such as animals, birds, flowers and plants usually reflect Chinese linguistic twists through homonymic puns to wish the happy couple a long and prosperous life together.

Each of the motifs has a long history and their symbolic meaning was widely understood. Ultimately they conveyed common social values and beliefs of the society.