Colonial Raj Four Poster Beds

Four Poster Bed History:

From the 17th century up until 1911 the British East India Company operated a trading post in the then capital, Calcutta. Calcutta was of strategic importance to the British Empire; it was a key trading port and to protect the British interests, a large contingent of British troops were stationed there. In 1858 the rule of the East India Company was transferred to the Crown, The British Raj. These rulers had grand tastes and wanted British style in their homes. As they were very wealthy people, they commissioned the finest craftsmen to build impressive pieces of furniture, none more impressive than these Four Poster Beds. The Maharajahs also drew their inspiration from European design styles; they were influenced by European culture and lifestyles and these designs were reflected in the furniture commissioned for their palaces.

This style of Colonial bed was made from 1800 until 1947. They were built in India for the Generals and high ranking officers of the British Raj and Indian nobility. Due to trading restriction these antique four poster beds have been in storage for over a hundred years. They are carved out of sisso wood (a member of the Rosewood family) in the Victorian style demanded by Queen Victoria’s high ranking officers.

These Colonial Antique Four Poster Beds were made in various sizes; ranging from single beds up to and larger than queen size. Each bed size differs as they were made to the clients' specification. However, the large size of some of these beds was probably to allow the occupant the ability to spread themselves across the bed during the heat of an Indian summer.Originally, these Colonial Antique Four Poster Beds would have been covered with a mosquito net but now they look fabulous with traditional drapes or muslin in order to create the modern touch. The Colonial Antique Four Poster Beds are restored sympathetically; they are carefully cleaned by our highly skilled cabinet makers in order to preserve the natural patina. They are finished by receiving several coats of wax polish; this creates a long lasting natural sheen.