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| Early Revolutionary Flag, Philippines |
The Year was 1903. The USA had finally succeeded in "Pacifying" the Philippines at the cost of 4,000 dead Americans, 15,000 dead Filipino insurgents and 200,000+ dead civilians. While the Philippine-American war seems largely forgotten today it represented a time when the USA was attempting to gain colonies around the world. For better or for worse the US victory set the stage for 32 years of colonial rule followed by 11 years of Commonwealth status before the Philippines finally gained independence in 1946.
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| 1905 Rattan Furniture Ad |
Here we have two ads from the early colonial period for Rattan furniture made in the Philippines. Rattan was very much in demand as the "Arts & Crafts" movement was in full swing at the turn of the century led by William Morris. The Arts and Crafts movement was concerned with handmade furniture and natural woods and materials. While the ads don't give us any prices we can assume that this furniture was out of reach price wise, from the normal American worker.
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| 1903 Rattan Furniture Ad |
Even today the Philippines produces the worlds best rattan furniture which is still very much in demand in the USA and carries a rather steep price tag although their garage floor coverings are less pricey.
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Rattan here is very expensive, but only a few Americans buy it because it does not appeal to a lot of market , and also because it does not appeal to a variety of taste----because of its functionality. Not really very comfortable to sit on.
ReplyDeleteNo, by itself it isn't comfortable so most people put cushions on it. Personally I like it because of the artistry of handweaving it but I would only use it outside.
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