Wicker a timeless construction
Cesca Chair by Marcel Breuer, produced by Knoll
Wicker
Cantilever Armchair
Couch on Wheels by Marcel Breuer
Rattan Pouf by Urban Outfitters
High Point
Inspiration
Wicker and Rattan Although most commonly associated with a specific kind of furniture and object aesthetic, wicker is a process that produces the textile. If an object is wicker it is made of woven rattan, a palm that grows wildly in Southeast Asia.
Rattan as a material Rattan is a climbing palm, like a vine, that grows in the rainforest. The vines are rooted in the ground and can grow to be several hundred feet long. Rattan limbs are solid. Rattan products last for generations because of their hardwearing and durable qualities. It can handle temperature fluctuations and humidity.
Rattan is Sustainable Rattan is the fastest growing tropical wood and regenerates in 5-7 years. The production of rattan furniture is low tech and does not require production facilities that produce pollutants.
Ancient Egypt Weaving was utilized in Ancient Egyptian furniture for seat paneling as early as 3000 BCE. Weaving reeds, palms, and grasses were used in making baskets and rugs, too. These applications were adopted by later civilizations such as Mycenae and Minoa.
Historical Ancient Rome Woven materials appear in Ancient Roman artifacts such as relief carvings. Palms, papyrus, grasses, and reeds were used in making baskets, bed frame paneling, and seating like the Ancient Roman thronos form.
Victorian Era The Age of Exploration marked the beginning of the use of rattan in wicker furniture and objects. However, a shortage of rattan due to civil unrest in China and a high demand in wicker goods led to experimentation with reeds. The Victorian era introduced the use of wicker as used in modern and postmodern design. Japan lessened its trade restrictions, allowing the trade of and exposure to Japanese art, goods, and materials. Southeast Asian influences flourish in European and American art and design.
Inspiration Arts & Crafts Michael Thonet uses a woven cane seat for his Bentwood Chaise Longe, Settee No. 2, and Chair No. 14. The components for his designs were industrially produced. The Arts and Crafts movement applied wickering as a motif. Thonets use of cane was adopted by modernist designers because of its lightweight quality and it was inexpensive. the decorative effect of cane is expressive of its construction, which also appealed to Modernists.
Arts & Crafts Chairs like the Sussex Chair and Beech Chair by E. W. Godwin are reminicent of wicker as they use rush seats. A rush seat has cord like material wrapped around four dowels that form the square seat. The four sections come together in the middle forming a point.
Historical Art Nouveau Victor Horta’s sinuous contors, achieved by the manipulation of wrought iron, bring to mind curling wicker forms of Victorian furniture.
Mid-Century Modern Harry Bertoia designed this armchair for Knoll. The mesh wire is evocative of wicker patterns; another example of wicker motifs in furniture.
Inspiration Post Modernism The Nemo Chair is a molded loom seat and back raised on a chromedsteel frame.
References Khan, Cheryl. “Tracing the Trends of Wicker Furniture through History.” <i>Patio Productions Blog</i>. N.p., 29 Dec. 2014. Web. 17 Nov. 2015. Miller, Judith. “Furniture: World Styles from Classical to Contemporary.” <i>Barnes &amp; Noble</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2015.