Dark natural rattan bench seat – Perret & Vibert, circa 1890 

This lovely rattan banquette was made by the Perret & Vibert factory at the end of the 19th century. Its airy armrests and incredible detailing give this piece a sophisticated, original feel.

Rattan furniture developed in the second half of the 19th century, especially under the Second Empire, with the fashion for exoticism. New materials such as bamboo and rattan made their appearance in home furnishings, quickly becoming essential elements. After an eclipse during the Empire and Restoration periods, canework reappeared under Napoleon III to resounding success.

The Second Empire saw the production of caned seats on frames made entirely of rattan. Around 1900, cane furniture took off with the decision by several French manufacturers to import raw materials on a massive scale from China and Indochina, to create furniture that was ever lighter and more decorative.