Mid-Century Adjustable Rattan Lounge Chair with Retractable Footrest, Japan

A striking mid-century rattan lounge chair distinguished by its sculptural bent frame, intricate woven surfaces and ingenious adjustable construction. The chair is built from multiple lengths of curved rattan, with sweeping triple-rattan armrests forming a particularly expressive architectural silhouette.

The seat and tall backrest are intricately handwoven in contrasting geometric patterns, demonstrating the considerable craftsmanship involved in its construction. Its most distinctive feature is the transformable design. The reclining backrest can be adjusted for a more relaxed seating position, while an integrated woven footrest extends from beneath the seat, transforming the compact armchair into a generous lounger. When not required, the footrest slides neatly back beneath the chair.

The piece was personally brought from Japan by its previous owner. While closely related examples of this type of reclining rattan chair can be found in the history of Japanese interiors, the precise maker and country of manufacture of this example remain undocumented. For this reason, we prefer to preserve its known provenance without making an unsupported attribution. The warm honey-toned rattan has developed an attractive patina, with traces of use and surface wear that complement the character of the piece. Both functional and highly sculptural, the chair works particularly well as a statement piece in a contemporary interior, reading corner, conservatory or relaxed living space.

 Period: Mid-20th century, circa 1950s–1970s

Material: Rattan

Provenance: Personally sourced in Japan by the previous owner

Dimensions: W 62 × H 87 × D 90–130 cm