What is a rice bed?

Answer 1

The 18th century Carolinas (USA) were the world's largest exporters of rice and tobacco. To signify a plantation owner's principal source of wealth the posts on his 4-post bed were carved with depictions of rice or tobacco. This symbol of wealth and plenty became known as a "rice bed" or "plantation bed". Plantation beds may have carvings of both rice and tobacco. Most current reproductions of these romantic style beds typically employ the use of cherry or mahogany woods as did the originals.