Rattan armchair "Prorok" by Bořek Šípek, made in Italy in 1988. The generous structure of this expertly woven natural cane chair recall both the animal and the botanical; the beige cane wings of the armrests nod to the swan while the curling red and black cane on the sides look as if it sprouts from a flowering garden. Solid wooden front legs with subtle tapering and carved, white painted points. These dynamic Sipek armchairs are like a conversation between baroque and postmodern.

YEAR: 1988
COUNTRY: Italy
DIMENSIONS: H 36in (Seat Height 18in) x W 34n x D 28in, H 91cm (Seat Height 45cm) x W 86cm x D 71cm
AVAILABLE: 1
MANUFACTURER: Driade
DESIGNER: Borek Sipek
MATERIAL: Rattan, wood
CONDITION: Excellent
COLOR: Neutral, Black, Red
PRODUCTION: Out of production

BOREK SIPEK (1949-2016) graduated from school for arts and crafts in Prague in 1968 and from there went on to study philosophy and aesthetics in Germany throughout the 1970s. In 1983, he opened up an architecture and design studio in Amsterdam. It was there where he explored oriental and occidental crafts techniques and multiplied solo exhibitions, leading to an illustrious career in design and architecture. Sipek was appointed architect of the Prague Castle and worked through an important part of the 1990s on redesigning the castle complex. He is known as a versatile and imaginative artist using many different mediums and techniques.