Here is the whole bed:

Here is an upclose of the dragons on the lower front, below the entrance where you get in. As I understand it, a three-toe dragon and one that is stylized like this one (lack of detailing in scales, abstract form) indicates that this bed did NOT belong to a noble or royal family. The dragons represent the groom and a matched pair are featured promiently on the bed:

Here are the carvings along the top of the bed. I believe these represent different Immortals and I would like to know who they are:

I have been told the animal is a Qilin, or mythical animal that is a deer-like dragon, although mine seems to look horse-like in many ways, it does seem to have horns on it's head that are hard to see in the photo:

This carving includes a peach tree in the background, which I know represents longevity:

These carvings are a pair are along the side of the entrance. There are stylized phoenix birds in the four corners representing the bride. Like the dragon they are very abstract which I understand indicates a non-royal, non-noble family, and the seed pod flower above the Immortals is for fertility. These appear around the rails of the bed.

From top to bottom- Stylized phoenix (bride), seeded flower (fertility), and cloud motif. These are in pairs along the sides of the entrance:

Flowers along the rails (fertility)

I look forward to any and all feedback! Thanks!
-Claire

Here's a link to the immortals, with pics:
http://www.asianartmall.com/8immortalsarticle.htm

And Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight_Immortals

That is a FABULOUS bed. My guess is that it was used by a merchant family, one well off but not filthy rich (the really wealthy marriage beds have carved jade panels, and are far more elaborate), or a low-level official.

Not all the immortals are suitable for marital inspiration - I think many of the figures are of female attendants.