Charpai Legs (Sold)

Two turned wooden polychrome painted Indian charpai (bed) legs. Jaipur C.1860 The most common type of bed used in India is a charpoy, which literally means 'four legs'. A charpoy consists of four turned or carved legs joined or bound to a rectangular frame. This example is painted with flowers on a light ground. Ibn Batuta’s description of a charpoy, written around 1350, still applies today: ‘The bed consists of four conical legs, on which four staves are laid; between they plait a sort of ribbon of silk or cotton.’ In cheaper models, the frame was netted with rope made from rushes, while finer examples were laced with comfortable broad canvas tape. (Information from the V&A ;ACCESSION NUMBER IS.763-1883) Dimensions; H 61cm W 11.4cm