Rattan: timeless and timeless!

wp:paragraph For baby-boomers and their children, rattan chairs often evoke memories of childhood. Often used as furniture...

Design MarketJanuary 2022
wp:paragraph For baby-boomers and their children, rattan chairs often evoke memories of childhood. Often used as outdoor furniture in the home, it recalls afternoons spent in the garden with family and friends, or even holidays by the sea... Although rattan is a material that enjoyed an exponential boom in the 60s and 70s, it was already, in the Belle Époque, a material synonymous with chic and elegance. Who still remembers Coco Chanel taking tea in a rattan outfit? Here's a look back at a timeless decorating element that's regularly coming back into fashion! For baby-boomers and their children, rattan chairs often evoke memories of early childhood. Often used as outdoor furniture in the home, it recalls afternoons spent in the garden with family and friends, or even holidays by the sea... While rattan is a material that enjoyed an exponential boom in the 60s and 70s, it was already a material synonymous with chic and elegance in the Belle Époque. Who still remembers Coco Chanel taking tea in a rattan outfit? Here's a look back at a timeless decorating style that's regularly back in fashion! /wp:paragraph wp:spacer {"height":19} /wp:spacer wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16372, "width":612, "height":344, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Brocante Au Paradis Perdu Typical 1970s rattan living room. Typical 1970s rattan living room /wp:image wp:paragraph The first Europeans to import rattan from their distant colonies were the Dutch and British. Towards the end of the 17th century, London became the hub for the import of 'exotic' chairs. It was not until the middle of the 19th century that rattan acquired its letters of nobility, becoming a fashionable accessory in the salons of the European bourgeoisie. The first Europeans to import rattan from their distant colonies were the Dutch and the British. Towards the end of the 17th century, London became the hub for the import of 'exotic' chairs. It wasn't until the middle of the 19th century that rattan acquired its letters of nobility, becoming a prominent accessory in bourgeois European drawing rooms. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Under the Second Empire, rattan became an element of garden furniture and was also used for interior decoration. Rattan seats and benches imitated the styles of Louis XV and Louis XVI, and adopted the curves of the Napoleon III style. Rattan then became very fashionable during the Belle Époque in aristocratic circles, before beginning a career (still ongoing!) on the terraces of Parisian bistros and cafés. In France, Louis Drucker popularised the rattan bistro chair with its Jacquart weave. Under the Second Empire, rattan became an element of garden furniture and was also used for interior decoration. Rattan seats and benches imitated the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, and adopted the curves of the Napoleon III style. Rattan then became very fashionable during the Belle Époque in aristocratic circles, before beginning a career (still ongoing!) on the terraces of Parisian bistros and cafés. In France, Louis Drucker popularised the rattan bistro chair with its Jacquart weave. /wp:paragraph wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16373, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Maison Louis Drucker G amme of bistro chairs made by Maison Louis Drucker. Founded in 1885, the company still exists and continues to produce rattan furniture. he range of bistro chairs made by Maison Louis Drucker. Founded in 1885, the company still exists and continues to produce rattan furniture. /wp:image wp:paragraph The Art Nouveau style, a pure product of the Belle Époque, influenced rattan seating, which was produced with rounded lines and details. Rattan manufacturers discovered and made use of the malleability of this palm vine from the rotang tree. Rattan seating is now being seen in the winter lounges of Parisian establishments and on café terraces. English company Dryad made the chairs for the Titanic café in Paris. In addition to Louis Drucker, who specialised in rattan chairs for cafés, Manufacture Perret et Vibert, which became "La Maison des Bambous", designed beautifully crafted rattan chairs. The Art Nouveau style, a pure product of the Belle Époque, influenced rattan seating, which was produced with rounded edges and details. Rattan manufacturers discovered and made use of the malleability of this palm vine from the rotang tree. Rattan seating is now being seen in the winter lounges of Parisian establishments and on café terraces. English company Dryad made the chairs for the Titanic café in Paris. In addition to Louis Drucker, which specialised in rattan chairs for cafés, Manufacture Perret et Vibert, which became "La Maison des Bambous", designed beautifully crafted rattan chairs. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16374, "width":407, "height":516, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit: Jardin Déco Antique Belle Époque style rattan armchair. Antique rattan armchair in Belle Époque style. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16375, "sizeSlug": "large"} Photo credit: Deco Stock Antique rattan armchair in Belle Époque style. Antique rattan armchair in Belle Époque style. /wp:image wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16377, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Photo credit : Deco Stock Antique rattan armchair in Belle Époque style. Antique rattan armchair in the Belle Époque style. /wp:image wp:media-text {"mediaId":16378, "mediaLink":"https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16378", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Rattan bench by Perret et Vibert, circa 1880. The style of the manufacture can be identified in the rattan weave, the x-shaped braces, the shape of the backrests and the care taken with the basketwork decoration. Rattan bench by Perret et Vibert, circa 1880. The style of the manufacturer can be seen in the rattan weave, the x-shaped braces, the shape of the backrests and the care taken with the wickerwork. Photo credit: Galerie Vauclair /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:media-text {"mediaPosition": "right", "mediaId":16380, "mediaLink": "https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16380", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Magnificent cane chair by Perret et Vibert, circa 1880. The piece is made of rattan and rattan cane lacquered in several colours. The upper part is covered with a removable zinc plant tray. Magnificent rattan cane chair by Perret and Vibert, circa 1880. The piece is made of rattan and rattan cane lacquered in several colours. The top is covered with a removable zinc plant tray. Photo credit: Galerie Canavese /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:media-text {"mediaId":16382, "mediaLink":"https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16382", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Magnificent rattan cane chair by the Maison Perret et Vibert, circa 1880, detail. Magnificent cane chair by Perret and Vibert, circa 1880, detail. Photo credit: Galerie Canavese /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:paragraph Rattan remained popular between the wars. The shapes of the seats evolved with the design of the period, from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, marked by more geometric lines and more discreet ornamentation. One of the great classics of the period, the bridge chair with its horizontal openwork armrests was upholstered in rattan, usually with a woven back, sometimes with apertures. Rattan remained popular between the wars. The shapes of the seats evolved with the design of the period, from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, marked by more geometric lines and more discreet ornamentation. One of the great classics of the period, the bridge armchair with its horizontal openwork arms is upholstered in rattan, usually with a woven back, sometimes with apertures. /wp:paragraph wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16383, "width":256, "height":428, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} An Art Deco armchair in wood and rattan from the 1920s. Antique Art Deco armchair in wood and rattan, 1920's. /wp:image wp:gallery {"ids":[16385,16386], "linkTo": "none", "align": "center"} Photo credit: Galerie Vauclair Left: Elements of an Art Deco rattan living room, circa 1920. A style with more geometric shapes. Elements of an Art Deco rattan living room, circa 1920. A style with more geometric shapes. Right: Part of an Art Deco rattan living room, table, circa 1920. Part of an Art Deco-style rattan living room, table, circa 1920. /wp:gallery wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:paragraph How can the success of rattan be explained? First of all, the word "rattan" comes from the Malay word rotang, a type of palm tree from which it is derived. Under the Second Empire, the fashion was for exotic styles, which explains its arrival and gradual acceptance in living rooms. Then, manufacturers specialising in the art of basketry gradually worked the material to match the style of the different eras. They produced furniture with woven and dyed motifs, and gradually the models became more sophisticated, with rose and lattice ornaments. What accounts for the success of rattan? First of all, the word "rattan" comes from the Malay word rotang, a type of palm tree from which it is derived. Under the Second Empire, the fashion was for exotic styles, which explains its arrival and gradual acceptance in living rooms. Then, manufacturers specialising in the art of basketry gradually worked the material to match the style of the different eras. Rattan, not to be confused with wicker or bamboo, offers a number of advantages: the palm tree from whose stems rattan grows rapidly, the material is robust and, above all, flexible, making it ideal for creating elegant shapes. It is also resistant to pests. Rattan, not to be confused with wicker or bamboo, has a number of advantages: the palm tree whose stems provide the rattan, rotang, grows rapidly, the material is robust and above all flexible, making it ideal for designing elegant shapes. After the Second World War, rattan fell into disuse, competing with the arrival of new materials such as fibreglass and the mastery of woodworking techniques (moulding and bending plywood). However, just when you thought rattan had been forgotten, a number of designers are taking an interest in it and revisiting it in their own way. Joseph-André Motte, Franco Albini Franco Albini , Nanna Ditzel and Dirk Van Sliedregt are doing just that. But it is a couple who are truly restoring rattan to its former glory: Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol. /wp:paragraph wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:media-text {"mediaId":16387, "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Pair of "Tripode" armchairs, designed by Joseph-André Motte, 1949. The base is in wood with steel knots. Pair of "Tripode" armchairs, designed by Joseph-André Motte, 1949. The base is in wood with steel knots. Photo credit: Art Curial /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:media-text {"mediaPosition": "right", "mediaId":16388, "mediaLink": "https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16388", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Pair of "Margueritte" armchairs, designed by Franco Albini for the publisher Vittorio Bonacina. Pair of "Margueritte" armchairs, designed by Franco Albini for Vittorio Bonacina. Photo credit: Jasper Maison /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:media-text {"mediaId":16389, "mediaLink":"https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16389", "mediaType": "image", "mediaWidth":36} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Content...", "fontSize": "large"} Suspended egg armchair Suspended egg armchair , design Nanna Ditzel, 1950. /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:media-text {"mediaPosition": "right", "mediaId":16391, "mediaLink": "https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachmentid=16391", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} Set of 2 vintage rattan chairs Set of 2 vintage rattan chairs , design Dirk Van Sliedregt, 1960s. The steel legs are symptomatic of the evolution towards a black lacquered metal frame. /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:paragraph Janine Abraham, originally from the Cantal region of France, and Dirk Jan Rol, of Dutch origin, met at the office of architect and decorator Jacques Dumond in the 1950s. They lived and worked together. In 1957, they founded their agency and were noticed for the creation of the Citron Citron armchair. 1 year later, they made a name for themselves with a piece that has become a classic of rattan design: the Soleil Soleil armchair. The latter, recognised for its bold lines, won them a gold medal at the XII Triennale in Milan in 1960. /wp:paragraph wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:media-text {"mediaId":16392, "mediaLink": "https://blog.design-market.fr/?attachment\_id=16392", "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Contents...", "fontSize": "large"} "Citron" armchair, contemporary edition OXYO, design Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, 1957. Frame in natural rattan and rattan bark ties. Lacquered stainless steel legs. Citron" armchair, contemporary edition OXYO, design Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, 1957. Natural rattan frame and rattan bark links. Lacquered stainless steel legs. Citron" armchair, contemporary edition OXYO, design Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, 1957. Natural rattan frame and rattan bark links. Legs in lacquered stainless steel. /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:image {"align": "center", "id":16393, "width":553, "height":369, "sizeSlug": "large", "linkDestination": "none"} Pair of "Soleil" armchairs in rattan, 1950s, design by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol. Pair of "Soleil" armchairs in rattan, 1950s, design by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol. /wp:image wp:gallery {"ids":[16396,16395], "linkTo": "none", "align": "center"} Photo credit: Artnet Left: Rattan armchair with lacquered metal supports and fabric cushion. Design by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, produced in Holland, circa 1950. Rattan armchair with lacquered metal supports and fabric cushion. Design by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, produced in Holland, circa 1950. Right: Lounge chair, design by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, bamboo, rattan and black lacquered steel, circa 1958. Lounge chair, designed by Janine Abraham and Dirk Jan Rol, bamboo, rattan and black lacquered steel, circa 1958. /wp:gallery wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:paragraph In the 60s and 70s, rattan enjoyed a second golden age. Technology evolved, weaving was replaced and the use of non-barked rattan became widespread. Rattan "nets", thin strips fixed to the structure, made it possible to speed up production. The pieces were light and openworked, yet just as robust. The style was more refined, with the seat resting on a tubular steel base in black lacquered metal. In the 60s and 70s, rattan enjoyed a second golden age. Technology evolved, weaving was replaced and the use of unpeeled rattan became widespread. Rattan "nets", thin strips fixed to the structure, made it possible to speed up production. The pieces were light and openworked, yet just as robust. The style is more refined, with the seat resting on a tubular steel base in black lacquered metal. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Since then, rattan has regularly come back into fashion, and major manufacturers no longer hesitate to call on designers. The Dutch company KOK, for example, which has been present in France for 3 generations, calls on young talent. Louis Drucker has called on Philippe Starck and André Putman. In 2016, the highly sought-after Spanish designer Jaime Hayón won the German Design Award in the "best product design" category for his "Frames" rattan armchair. Timeless and timeless rattan! Since then, rattan has regularly come back into fashion, and major manufacturers no longer hesitate to call on designers. The Dutch company KOK, for example, which has been present in France for 3 generations, calls on young talent. Louis Drucker has called on Philippe Starck and André Putman. In 2016, the highly sought-after Spanish designer Jaime Hayón won the German Design Award in the "best product design" category for his "Frames" rattan armchair. Timeless and timeless rattan! /wp:paragraph wp:spacer {"height":20} /wp:spacer wp:gallery {"ids":[16399,16398], "linkTo": "none", "align": "center"} Photo credit: Orchid Edition Left: BÔA rattan sofa for Orchid Edition, designed by Maxence Boisseau and Nelson Alves from the AT-ONCE studio. Structure in natural varnished rattan, side and back panels in open cane. Orchid Edition is KOK's publishing house specialising in top-of-the-range rattan furniture. BÔA rattan sofa for Orchid Edition, designed by Maxence Boisseau and Nelson Alves of the AT-ONCE studio. Structure in natural varnished rattan, side and back panels in open cane. Orchid Edition is KOK's publishing house specialising in top-of-the-range rattan furniture. Right: SILLON beige MIGLIORE chair for Orchid Edition, designed by Guillaume Delvigne. Structure in varnished natural rattan. SILLON beige MIGLIORE chair for Orchid Edition, designed by Guillaume Delvigne. Structure in natural varnished rattan. /wp:gallery wp:spacer {"height":31} /wp:spacer wp:gallery {"ids":[16401,16402], "linkTo": "none", "align": "center"} Photography : © Jean-Marc Palisse Left : Grenelle armchair for the Café de l'Alma, design by François Champsaur for Maison Louis Drucker. Right: Royal Monceau armchair, designed by Philippe Starck for Maison Louis Drucker. Royal Monceau armchair, design Philippe Starck for Maison Louis Drucker. /wp:gallery wp:media-text {"mediaId":16403, "mediaType": "image"} wp:paragraph {"placeholder": "Content...", "fontSize": "large"} "Frames" rattan armchair with armrests, design Jaime Hayón for Iberian publisher Expormim, 2014. Rattan armchair with "Frames" armrests, design by Jaime Hayón for Iberian publisher Expormim, 2014. Photo credit: Archi Product /wp:paragraph /wp:media-text wp:paragraph {"align": "right"} François Boutard François Boutard /wp:paragraph

Read our other blogs too

Eames Lounge Chair

Whoppah explores: Eames Lounge Chair

The Eames Lounge Chair is undoubtedly one of the most popular lounge chairs ever made. The iconic chair was released by The Herman Miller Company in 1956 and is here to stay. Do you dream of such a beautiful copy? We share 5 facts about this legendary lounge chair and we spoke to Aksel, Eames connoisseur and trader, about the differences between the vintage and recent models of this chair.

Read more

At home with Michael

Next up in our home visit series – where we come to your home to get to know you better, discover your style, and learn more about your relationship with secondhand and design – is Michael (31). He is a passionate art lover and dealer, with his own art and framing business in the charming town of Weesp, and recently, he has also started publishing art. Here, he perfectly combines his love for art with his entrepreneurial flair.

Read more
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Image

Whoppah explores: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

One of the most iconic design chairs is the Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe. The chair was exhibited in 1929 during the World Exhibition in Barcelona and is one of the best-selling designer armchairs ever. It is amazing how a chair has not lost its popularity for more than 90 years and remains a symbol of elegant and modern design. That is why this week is an ode to architect and furniture designer Mies van der Rohe.

Read more
blog-one-main-test.png

Whoppah explores: Frank Lloyd Wright

Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most influential architects of the twentieth century. It's high time to find out more about this world architect!

Read more