Rattan - Straw
Straw covered furniture. Louis XV.
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- Rattan is the flexible stem of a plant of the palm family. The bark of the rattan was cut into fine strips or cane and used to cover chairs in the Regence period. The fashion came to France from Holland in the 17th century. Rattan was also particularly in vogue under Napoleon III.
- In ancient times, dyed and plaited rye was the favourite type of straw for chairs because the other varieties were either too short (oats) or broke too easily (wheat). It was used above all in rural France for "rustic" furniture and many examples of characteristic chairs are found in Provence. In the nineteen forties and fifties furniture was produced covered in finely plaited straw. A few examples of straw used on classic frames can be found in 18th century furniture.
