Late 19th Century Tortoiseshell Bamboo Magazine Rack — Antique Asian Chinoiserie

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Magazine Rack – Tortoiseshell Bamboo Arched Handle $125.00
$125.00
A sculptural bamboo magazine rack with a dramatically sweeping arched handle, … Read more Magazine Rack – Tortoiseshell Bamboo Arched Handle $125.00
$125.00
A sculptural bamboo magazine rack with a dramatically sweeping arched handle, its natural tiger and tortoiseshell tonal variation giving it a rich, sun-warmed patina. Vertical bamboo slat sides cradle magazines or books with ease, while the crossed diagonal base construction adds structural elegance. Wrapped rattan binding at the handle joint is both functional and beautifully detailed. A perfect accent piece for a reading nook, living room, or tropical-inspired interior.

Time Period: c. 1950s–1970s

Origin: Philippines, Hong Kong, or Japan (consistent with mid-century rattan export production)

Design Style: MCM Tropical / Bohemian Rattan / Coastal

Condition: Good — bamboo shows natural aging and tonal variation; structurally sound; minor wear consistent with age and use

Provenance: Bamboo and rattan accessories — including magazine racks, trays, and side tables — were produced in large quantities across the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan for the American and European export market throughout the 1950s to 1970s. The arched handle form was a particularly popular design, prized for its clean modernist arc set against the organic texture of natural bamboo. The tortoiseshell coloring, achieved through selective burning or use of tiger bamboo, adds a distinctive decorative quality that commands a premium with collectors.

Collection: La Tropicana by DĒSSO-CŪRATED


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