We are down sizing so sadly must part with lots of treasured possessions including this stunning Ciel de Lit or Bed Corona. We bought this 20 years ago to match our antique Louis XIII style bed but never got around to hanging it. It is French and I am pretty sure it is Walnut and will date to late 19th Century.
It has been upholstered with wiring and a silver coloured satin like material. From the underneath (the side you are looking at if you are in bed), the silver material is as new. On the top, it has a yellowish tint because I tried to spray dye it Gold many years ago and it didn't quite turn out. The top can be left as it is, completely replaced or just covered with a new material (which would be very easy).
You can see the intricate detail all around and in particular the applique carvings to the front remain in lovely condition.
It has been well used in the past and there have been a number of restorations which I have tried to show in the pictures but would be difficult to notice anyway once it is in its hanging place.
It is unusual in that it is decorative all around (a sign of quality), most examples only being so at the front. It is also unusual in its size as a lot would be much smaller than this - making it ideal to hang over any size of bed. The freeze measured about 5 inches high and the overall height of the dome is approx. 12 inches. It is 27 inches wide and 20 inches deep (from back to front).