Arched Wicker Etagere (also known as a Wicker Baker's Rack or Bohemian Peacock Bookshelf)
Shelving / Storage (Etagere) · Bohemian (Boho-Chic) / Mid-Century Coastal Revival (late 1960s-1970s) · Likely an unbranded import from Southeast Asia (Philippines or Indonesia), which produced the majority of these pieces for US retailers like Pier 1 or Montgomery Ward.
Type
Shelving / Storage (Etagere)
Style Period
Bohemian (Boho-Chic) / Mid-Century Coastal Revival (late 1960s-1970s)
Material
Natural rattan stalks, split bamboo or wicker reeds, and bentwood support frame. Secondary materials include small nails or staples and possible wood-core shelves.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1985 (Vintage Mid-Century Revival).
Dimensions
Approximately 72 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 15 inches deep. This is slightly taller than a standard floor cabinet but within typical etagere ranges.
Origin
Commonly Southeast Asian in origin, designed for the Western 'Bohemian' market of the 1970s.
Designer/Maker
Likely an unbranded import from Southeast Asia (Philippines or Indonesia), which produced the majority of these pieces for US retailers like Pier 1 or Montgomery Ward.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on local market demand for vintage Boho decor. Value is higher in urban 'vintage' boutiques compared to general auctions.
Description
This striking arched etagere features a classic 'Peacock' style silhouette with an elegant radiused top. The lattice-work back provides a light, airy aesthetic while remaining sturdy enough for books and electronics. It serves as a quintessential example of 1970s organic modernism, blending functional storage with the warmth of natural plant fibers.
Key Features
Distinctive arched top, lattice-weave back panel, bentwood frame, and multi-tiered open shelving design.
Color & Finish
Natural golden-brown honey finish with a light clear lacquer or shellac. Shows some natural darkening (patina) due to age and light exposure.
Construction Method
Hand-woven over a bentwood frame. The structural arches are formed by bending steam-heated rattan, while the lattice-work is woven using thinner reed or split bamboo strips.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Bentwood construction with wrapped canonical joints. The shelving utilizes a cross-hatched lattice weave for support and aesthetic pattern.
Wood Grain & Species
Rattan (Calameae family) and Bamboo. Rattan is a solid-core vine, distinguished here by the circular cross-sections of the structural posts.
Surface Treatment
Clear protective coating with natural texture. No heavy distressing; the texture is derived from the organic variations in the wicker material.
Upholstery Details
None; this is a hard-surface shelving unit.
Hardware & Fittings
No metal decorative hardware; relies on wrap-around reed bindings (cane) to secure joints and structural junctions.
Origin & Provenance
Commonly Southeast Asian in origin, designed for the Western 'Bohemian' market of the 1970s.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The frame appears structurally sound, though there is visible dust accumulation and potential minor fraying of the wicker bindings typical for pieces of this age.
Interesting Facts
Wicker furniture saw a massive resurgence in the 1970s as part of the 'Back to nature' movement, popularized by the iconic 'Peacock Chair' seen in celebrity photos and film sets of the era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward casual, eclectic interior design in the late 20th century, moving away from the rigid formality of earlier eras.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with rattan 'Baker's Racks' which usually have metal components, or Victorian wicker which is much more ornate and tightly woven.
Care & Maintenance
Dust with a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment. Avoid excessive moisture. Apply lemon oil or a specialized wicker conditioner every few years to prevent the natural fibers from becoming brittle and cracking.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on local market demand for vintage Boho decor. Value is higher in urban 'vintage' boutiques compared to general auctions.
Sustainability Notes
Highly sustainable. Rattan is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is largely biodegradable and was originally constructed using low-energy manual labor.