ARTHUR UMANOFF MID-CENTURY BAMBOO & RATTAN CHAIR

Updated August 8, 2026

NO SHIPPING ~ LOCAL PICKUP ONLY > A scarce Mid Century Modern bamboo and woven rattan lounge chair attributed to American designer Arthur Umanoff, standing approximately 28" tall and measuring 24" across the arms. The front edge of the seat rises approximately 16", descending through a pronounced rearward pitch to approximately 12" at the back. The removable basket form seat is positioned on the black iron base by two forward locating prongs that enter fittings beneath the front, together with two rear retaining hooks and an adjustable wing nut fastener. This detachable construction allows the woven upper section to separate from the supporting base while holding the chair securely in position during use. Other Umanoff seating associated with Shaver Howard also employed iron bases with removable seat sections. The chair features a deeply curved woven rattan seat and back enclosed by a substantial bent bamboo framework. Continuous loop arms sweep outward from the upper back and curve downward around the sides, while long diagonal bamboo braces connect the arms to the lower seat. Additional crossed braces reinforce the back, with wrapped cane bindings securing the principal joints. The dramatically pitched seat creates a relaxed, low lounge posture rather than the level seating position associated with a conventional dining or occasional chair. A slender black iron rod base supports the organic upper form on four splayed legs, balancing the warm natural bamboo and rattan with the light architectural character frequently associated with Umanoff’s work. Arthur Umanoff, 1923–1985, was an American industrial designer associated with the Mid Century Modern movement. During the 1960s, Umanoff worked closely with Shaver Howard, which placed numerous furniture designs into production. Umanoff became particularly recognized for combining slender iron structures with warm natural materials such as wood, rush, cane, bamboo, and rattan. The enveloping loop arms, woven basket seat, pronounced reclined pitch, and unusual detachable construction create a highly sculptural accent chair suited for Mid Century Modern, organic modern, bohemian, tropical, sunroom, or eclectic interiors.

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