Rectangular Rattan 3-Seater Sofa attributed Paul Frankl, USA, 1940s

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Lovely six-strand rectangular rattan 3-seat patio sofa with a wonderfully stacked rattan base is attributed to Paul Frankl. Produced most … Read more Lovely six-strand rectangular rattan 3-seat patio sofa with a wonderfully stacked rattan base is attributed to Paul Frankl. Produced most likely by Ritts Tropitan in the 1940s. The sofa features a six-strand rattan at both ends and bended pencil rattan on the seats and backrests. A real nice ‘show-off’ on terrace which is in well preserved vintage condition according its age and use. The 3 separate seating and backrest cushions have been replaced for one 3-seat and backrest cushion which is upholstered in a tasteful soft frost blue fabric. This rare sofa includes within the rectangular 6-strand armrest an upward-curve in the shape of a wave / half circle on the bottom. However there is no ‘hard evidence’ in terms of a label or catalogue this extraordinary piece shows all the details that are so characteristic for Paul Frankl his work. Therefore it can be assumed that this is an authentic Paul Frankl piece.

Paul Frankl was an Austrian designer, furniture maker, architect and writer. Some of Frankl’s designs had distinctive Asian influences, inspired by his interest in Chinese and Japanese arts. In the 1940s he was one of the first designers to utilize free-form and biomorphic shapes, beautifully exemplified in his 1951 cork-topped biomorphic coffee table. As well as cork, he experimented with bamboos and hardwoods, and with non-traditional upholstery materials such as pony hide, denim, horse blankets and nubby fabrics. Throughout the 1940s and 50s Frankl designed lines of wicker, cane, bamboo and rattan furniture for both indoor and outdoor use. These developments aptly reflected the post-War trend towards more casual lifestyle, allowing Frankl’s designs to permeate the American cultural landscape. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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