Rattan armchair
Manufactured by Yamakawa Rattan Co., Ltd.
Japan, 1961
Rattan

Measurements
67 × 70 × 90,5h cm
26,4 × 27,6 × 35,6h in
Seat Height: 32 cm / 12,6 in

About
The Yamakawa Rattan Armchair reflects the expressive possibilities of rattan within Japanese furniture design during the mid-twentieth century. Its distinctive silhouette combines an enveloping high backrest with a broad, gently curved seat, creating a continuous form that balances comfort, lightness, and structural clarity. The rounded, almost diamond-shaped profile gives the chair a sculptural presence while retaining the natural flexibility of its material.
The construction emphasizes the relationship between craftsmanship and organic form. Slender rattan elements are arranged vertically and horizontally to create an open framework, allowing light to pass through the structure and accentuating its intricate geometry. The curved lines of the backrest extend toward the seating area, establishing a sense of continuity and providing an intimate, sheltered seating experience.
The armchair illustrates an approach to furniture in which traditional weaving techniques coexist with modern ideas of ergonomics and spatial expression. Its combination of natural materials, rhythmic construction, and generous proportions situates it within the broader exploration of handcrafted furniture in postwar Japan, where the expressive qualities of everyday materials became central to the development of modern interiors.