MARCEL high-backed rattan armchair

The “Grandfather” Rattan Armchair: An Iconic Design

The “Grandfather” rattan armchair has become a generic term because, over the course of more than a century, it was manufactured by the hundreds of thousands, eventually becoming a fixture in nearly every home, especially in rural areas. Every wickerwork workshop produced it, each with its own small “house-style” variations, and peddlers then distributed it to even the tiniest villages in France and Navarre. We’re talking about the pre-war era, when, in the most modest homes, the high-backed rattan armchair was often the only item of comfort. Upholstered couches, sofas, and armchairs did not become widespread until much later. It was therefore in this simple armchair that our elders would read a little, knit, or listen to the radio in the evening by the fireplace, or on sunny days in the shade of a tree. The Marcel high-back rattan armchair hasn’t aged a bit, and KOK is quite proud to have been selling these “grandfather” rattan armchairs for four generations!

Not all rattan armchairs are created equal…

KOK has made no compromises on the quality standards that have been in place for over a century. Now manufactured in Indonesia, the plant’s country of origin, they are identical in every way to the original vintage pieces. Here’s what sets a good vintage rattan armchair apart from similar, cheaper models found elsewhere on the market: the rattan pith used for weaving must never be varnished, otherwise it can no longer breathe and becomes brittle. The frame must be made of unpeeled rattan, which can be recognized by its irregularities (notably black marks), which are actually a sign of quality. Finally, there must be 13 vertical strands in the weaving of the seat and backrest. To cut costs, some manufacturers have reduced the amount of material used, at the expense of the product’s durability and comfort.

Features and Options

Overall dimensions: height 105 x width 61 x length 63 cm, seat 45 cm above the floor. Seat width 50 cm, seat depth 41 cm, armrests 70 cm. Weight: 5 kg. Made in Indonesia. Available in natural rattan with bark and in an antique-style patina finish (see options above). The patina finish, crafted to order in our workshops, requires up to 10 additional days for production.

A seat cushion is available as an option with the customer’s choice of fabric for this item. Contact us for details.

The same armchair is also available in a low-back version and a low-back children’s version.

The Marcel high-back woven rattan armchair is suitable for both residential and commercial use (hotels, cafes, restaurants, etc.).