Red Lacquer Cloud Ladder

This early 20th-century ladder was originally used to access the loft in a traditional Chinese courtyard home. Crafted with mortise-and-tenon joinery methods, without the use of nails and screws, the elmwood ladder has a tapered a-frame design with squared sides and slightly rounded rungs. The topmost rung is arched and carved on either end with decorative clouds. Cloaked in a bright red lacquer finish, the tall ladder adds a pop of color to modern interiors as a rustic accent or unexpected display for blankets and textiles.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

Ladder frame is slightly warped.