If there’s one interior trend lasting over decades, it’s rattan furniture. While it has been a popular choice for outdoor furniture over the years, rattan chairs found their way indoors. As this exceptionally rare Piero Palange and Werther Toffoloni model exemplifies, the material adds an instant warm, natural and inviting mood to any space. Whether for a dining space or a reading nook, rattan chairs are simply versatile. And due to the material’s durability, they last for ages.

This one-of-a-kind design, with an immediately recognizable frame and wickerwork exudes a comfortable lightness. Simply put, there’s a natural warmth and organicity that the material brings to a space. Rattan is the fibre from a plant used for weaving, and under the hand of a master craftsman, it can be bent into stunning shapes as seen in the design of this lounge chair. The masterfully woven rattan gives this chair an airy look, complimented by the generous curve of the body that shows off the material with all its natural qualities. The rattan is woven around a bamboo base with solid wood legs for stability. From every angle, this chair is visually arresting; from the front to the sides and back, the curves and geometric lines provide plenty of visual interest. The permanently reclined position assures a great lounging experience and the width is perfect for pillows or throws. One of the biggest advantages of rattan chairs is the neutral colour palette that allows this model to be paired with colourful, patterned textiles and other pieces of furniture.

This chair has a distinct designer edge, with clear signs of great craftsmanship. The Company Gervasoni, originally known as “Premiata Società Friulana per l'Industria del Vimini", was born in 1882 in the city of Udine. During the early 20th century, Giovanni Gervasoni embarked on a valuable collaboration with architects and master craftsmen to perfect the aesthetic and technical qualities of the products, resulting in outstanding pieces such as this lounge chair.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The cane and wicker have some scratches and marks.

Dimensions:

28.34 in W x 38.58 in D x 30.11 in H; Seat height: 17.32 in

72 cm W x 98 cm D x 76.5 cm H; Seat height 44 cm

About the manufacturer:

The Company Gervasoni, originally known as “Premiata Società Friulana per l'Industria del Vimini", was born in 1882 in the city of Udine.

The shadow of the 1915-1918 War, during which Udine briefly became the "capital," left deep human, moral, and economic scars on the surrounding territory. The extraordinary story of Gervasoni began in this very context. Alongside his partner Danilo Della Martina, in 1925 Giovanni Gervasoni took the reins of this modest company specialized in the production of baskets and small objects for the local market.

Giovanni immediately distinguished himself as a modern and innovative entrepreneur with a determined and proactive approach, initiating a series of renovations and adaptations to the ever-changing market demands, which would characterize the company's over 140-year history. He invested in new steam bending machines and modern drying ovens, he hired new workers and started using not only wicker but also bamboo, reed, and rattan, abandoning traditional "basketry".  This production enhancement led to the creation of "complete furnishings for winter gardens, reading rooms, smoking rooms, billiard rooms, anterooms, terraces, and verandas," as well as "specialities for hotels, clubs, beach resorts, and sanatoriums."

In 1930, Giovanni embarked on a valuable collaboration with architects and master craftsmen to perfect the aesthetic and technical qualities of the products. Despite the worldwide economic crisis, the company continued to grow steadily. Orders arrived for furnishing important Italian, Polish, and Swedish passenger ships. By 1939, "Gervasoni & Co." was already a well-established and renowned company with a solid and extensive market.

The war failed to halt Gervasoni's expansion. The business continued without pause, and in the post-war period, with the reconstruction of the factory and the return of workers, the company fully resumed its activities.