Ivory Lacquer Rococo Bedroom Set

A Rococo suite finished in a creamy ivory lacquer that reads almost sculptural, because the carving is left in the same tone as the ground and defined only by shadow. The bed is the centrepiece: a tall headboard of shaped panels rising to a pierced scrolled crest, echoed by a deeply carved footboard and a serpentine base that sweeps down onto short cabriole legs. The bedside commode curves on every face, its drawer fronts outlined in raised scrollwork above a bold carved shell apron, with polished gilt-toned knobs as the only bright note. A matching dressing table with open display shelving completes the group.

The shapes are cut from solid timber, carved by hand and then built up in successive coats of lacquer that are sanded between passes until the surface turns to soft satin - the finish that lets the ivory-on-ivory relief hold its detail. Handcrafted by Brass & Wood in Egypt, the suite belongs in a panelled bedroom with a chandelier and generous curtains, though it works just as well in a plainer room, where its all-white carving reads as quiet architecture rather than decoration.

• Bed with carved crest, shaped headboard and serpentine footboard
• Bedside commodes with scrolled drawer fronts and gilt-toned knobs
• Dressing table with open display shelving