Images(8)

Armchair

Dateca. 1940

OriginAmerica (probably)

MediumRattan

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members o the family.

Object number1996.BH.909,1

DescriptionRattan armchair, large and square in a simplistic style with square back, arms curving into arm supports and legs, each element a bundle of two or three reeds, box stretchers, green seat and back cushions. One of a pair with two ottomans.
Label TextThese chairs and ottomans were used by Mr. & Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the Tea House at Bassett Hall. Rattan and wicker furniture became popular for gardens and porches in the mid to late 19th century, continuing into the 20th. While visually similar to bamboo, the rattan is an entirely different Asian plant. The rattan includes both the poles, used for the structural members of the furniture, and pliable strands of the outer bark that was used to wrap the joints.