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Colonial Four Poster Beds - The History
From the 17th century to 1911 The British East India Company had a
colony in India, especially in the then capital city Calcutta. Calcutta
was a very important city and trading port to protect the British
interests, so a large contingent of British troops were also posted here.
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, they were very wealthy people so commissioned the
finest craftsmen to make impressive pieces of furniture including beds,
none more impressive than four poster beds. The local Nawabs (land-owners)
and maharajahs were also greatly influenced by European lifestyles and
also commissioned furniture for their palaces.
The magnificent colonial antique four poster beds on this site are
original and date around 1850. They were
built in India for the Generals and officers of the British Raj and the
Indian nobility. Due to trading restriction these antique four poster beds
have been stored away for over a hundred years. They are carved from very
hard wood usually mahogany or rosewood in the Victorian style demanded by
Queen Victoria's high ranking officers.
Four poster beds were made in various sizes sometimes very large. The
large size is probably because you would have wanted to spread out during
the heat of an Indian summer. Originally these four poster beds would have
been covered with mosquito net, but look fabulous with traditional drapes
or muslin for a modern touch. The beds are restored sympathetically,
carefully cleaned preserving their natural patina then wax polished giving
them a natural sheen.
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