Set in blue and black rattan – France, late 19th century

This set in blue and black rattan was made at the end of the 19th century in France. It is composed of four chairs and two armchairs.
The back-rest wraps around the seats and their surprising colours give this set a welcoming and decorative look.

Rattan furniture developed in the second half of the 19th century, especially during the Second Empire, with the fashion for exoticism. New materials such as bamboo or rattan appeared in decoration and quickly became essential elements. After an eclipse under the Empire and the Restoration, caning reappeared under Napoleon III and was a resounding success. The Second Empire saw the manufacture of wickerworked seats on a frame entirely made of rattan. Around 1900, this furniture took off with the decision of several French manufacturers to import raw materials from China and Indochina on a massive scale, and then to make furniture that was increasingly light and decorative.