Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Filipino furniture designer Betty Cobonpue has since the 1980s created imaginative contemporary pieces, including her now-famous sculptural furniture made from laminated rattan vines, a technique she pioneered and for which her Scultura collection achieved renown.
Cobonpue studied interior and industrial design in New York before returning to Cebu in the Philippines. While she worked as an interior designer in New York for a short time, furniture design proved to be her overarching passion. By 1971, frustrated by multiple companies and designers copying her work, Cobonpue set up shop with a handful of carpenters in her backyard in Cebu to have full control over her products.
She was particularly inspired by the shape of a Chinese barrel and, with the help of her best carpenter, created a ribbon-like sash. Cobonpue’s designs follow a “no hard-edge” philosophy started by that first rattan ribbon. Every piece flows and contours around itself, giving each lounge chair a sense of inviting comfort and each center table a reinforced sturdiness.
Cobonpue passed on her company to her son, furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue. The pair continue to collaborate on projects that are in demand with collectors for their distinctive shapes and inviting materials.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Betty Cobonpue building and garden elements, seating, tables and more.
1980s Philippine Post-Modern Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Reed, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Philippine Post-Modern Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Reed, Mahogany
1980s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Jade
19th Century Indonesian Antique Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Brass
19th Century Folk Art Antique Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Brass, Copper
1980s English Art Deco Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Brass
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Onyx, Marble, Metal
1980s Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Enamel
1980s Philippine Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Burl
1870s French Baroque Revival Antique Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Brass
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Brass
Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Antique Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Paint, Wood
1980s Unknown Post-Modern Vintage Betty Cobonpue Decorative Objects
Reed