This lavish American tester bed exhibits superior craftsmanship and detail. The design is embellished with elaborate carvings on the headboard and sides. The stunning wood grain enhances the appeal of the artfully crafted design. A canopy of folded pastel blue silk, supported by columns, frames the bed, allowing curtains to be hung for complete darkness at night.

Tester, or canopy, beds were first introduced in the 13th century as an alternative style of bed that allowed for greater seclusion. The first tester beds featured suspended cords attached to overhead beams from which curtains hung. By the 15th century, canopy beds had become a mainstay in palatial furniture. During the reign of William and Mary, the bedsteads became very tall while narrower, in keeping with their loftier rooms. Eventually, tester beds were crafted in more stylized designs, leading furniture makers to balance functionality and aesthetics when creating these masterpieces. This example embodies those that were highly popular in the 19th-century South, featuring romantic and lavish designs with heavy drapes.

Circa 19th century

82” wide x 89 1/2” deep x 124” high