This “Rokato” lounge chair is an immediately recognizable design by the Dutch designers, Gebroeders Jonkers (Jonkers Brothers). In the middle of the last century, rattan played an important role in Dutch Design. The cradle was located in Noordwolde in Friesland, where the factory, Gebr. Jonkers, specialized in wickerwork. This model is uniquely both designed and manufactured by the company.

Gebroeders Jonkers are known for their stunning rattan designs and this lounge chair shows why. It has a unique look composed of elements that cannot even be compared to other designs. Starting with the shell seat that is formed by one, elaborately woven rattan piece, to the sculpted wooden structure supporting it, this chair is also remarkable in terms of engineering. The organic material and symmetrical pattern of the basket seat are combined with, and contrasted by the solid wooden base with a structural look. The base consists of crossed wooden bars (elongated in the back) that hold the seat. The geometrical and clean lines of this chair make it a beautiful example of Dutch mid-century modern design, that was, among others, inspired by its Scandinavian contemporaries.  

Adding to the comfort level are the upholstered seat and back cushions that have been reupholstered recently in a stylish patterned fabric. Characterized by the clear and honest construction with a clear distinction between seat and frame, this Rokato chair is a unique design piece, and a visual reminder of the design prowess of the Dutch brothers, Jacob and Johan Jonkers.

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SOLD

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. The chair cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium patterned fabric.

Dimensions:

26.37 in W x 34.64 in D x 25.98 in H; Seat height 15.35 in

67 cm W x 88 cm D x 66 cm H; Seat height 39 cm

About the designer:

Rattan furniture enjoys the renewed attention of stylists and interior designers. Rattan is being embraced again in the 21st century. The most beautiful Dutch rattan furniture from the fifties to the seventies were created by Jacob and Johan Jonkers, better known as the brothers Jonkers in Noordwolde. The brothers had furniture factories that collaborated with nationally and internationally recognized designers.

In the middle of the last century, rattan played an important role in Dutch Design. The cradle is located in Noordwolde in Friesland, where two factories, Rohé and Gebr. Jonkers, specialized in wickerwork. The rattan came from Indonesia and replaced the originally used willow, which is much less tough and pliable. The airy and sleek rattan furniture fit perfectly in the functionalist style of the “Goed Wonen” (lit. good living) period. Both furniture producers worked with both Danish and Dutch designers, including one of the most famous Dutch designers, Dirk van Sliedregt. In the 1970s, Gebr. Jonkers found themselves in a tough situation, as the crisis hit and furniture trade also collapsed. The supply of rattan was also discontinued because of the protective measures that Indonesia took at the time to protect its own industry. Gebr. Jonkers had to stop their production in the 1980s, soon followed by Rohé, closing its doors in 1997.

The rattan industry’s history in the Netherlands is intertwined with that of the manufactory of Gebr. Jonkers in Noordwolde. Their woven chairs and elaborate supporting structures made them famous in- and outside the Netherlands. ~H.