Ruhlmann bed construction question

[fudo133]

Hi there everyone,
Though i've no plans to build it...at least in the short term future, this bed, designed by Emile Jacques Ruhlmann and built some time in the 1920's has intrigued me for some time.
Its veneered in amboyna burl, but i'm curious as to how the shape of it was constructed? The only method i can think of is lamination...possibly over an oak framework for strength? (Just a wild guess as he used oak quite a bit in his veneered pieces).

Unfortunately, additional images are extremely scarce, but if i find any i'll add them.

Though this exact variation is unique, i know that there is/was another made with upholstery lining the inside of the amboyna 'shell'.

I can also fairly confidently say that within 'reason' time and complexity constraints likely weren't much of an issue in its creation, as there are more than a few pieces he designed and had made within his workshops that took upwards of 1000 hours, and a few exceeding 2000.

Any help would be muchly appreciated!

art-deco-classic-style-double-beds-70467-1981241.jpgPicture+13 copy.jpg

[yowie]

Two FJ Holden bonnets welded together with bits of wood stuck on?

[elanjacobs]

The large 'straight' curves (head and foot) could be made of moulded plywood and dowelled onto a built-up and shaped base.

[cava]

Is the mattress a normal rectangular shape? It could just be the photograph, however it looks more oval.

[fudo133]

Is the mattress a normal rectangular shape? It could just be the photograph, however it looks more oval.

I think it might have more rounded corners than normal mattresses, though the photo i saw a few days back in a book on ruhlmann of the upholstered version seemed to have a more standard mattress in it.

[fudo133]

Finally got around to getting a photo of the upholstered version (though i'm not a fan of this variation). In any case, its a rare photo of a now lost piece, so it might be of interest to some aside from just me

As you can see, the mattress appears to be roughly oval.



SKMBT_C25013050312071_l-1.jpg

[ian]

I can think of two ways

most likely, skin on frame -- like a boat
skin subsequently veneered.

segmental block construction, shaped and then veneered