Known for traditional Chinese designs with a California style twist, furniture manufacturer Tropi-Cal elevated rattan and wicker furnishings to modern and timeless interior art from the 1950s to 1970s.
The company was founded in 1954 by entrepreneur and designer Danny Ho Fong who was born in China in 1915 and moved to the California coast in 1936. His son, Miller Yee Fong, was born in Los Angeles in 1942 and started an architecture practice after graduating from the University of Southern California in 1964. He would later join his father to become Tropi-Cal’s principal designer.
In the 1960s and throughout the 1970s, Tropi-Cal was popular nationwide for its sleek, mid-century modern designs. They combined natural materials with a unique, refined style. The furniture — from high-backed, cane dining room chairs and triangular-based rattan dining tables, to comfortable, basket-weave club chairs — was lightweight, functional and sculptural in form.
Tropi-Cal’s furniture garnered considerable critical acclaim with several pieces now in museum collections. The Wave lounge chair, designed by Danny Ho Fong in 1966, is in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Miller Yee Fong’s Lotus chair, designed in 1968, is in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Today, Tropi-Cal is known as Fong Brothers Company. It continues the firm’s legacy of producing high-quality, traditional furniture with modern, sophisticated designs.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Tropi-Cal seating, tables and more.
Danny Ho Fong, Table, Metal, Rattan, USA, 1950s
By Tropi-cal, Danny Ho Fong
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered metal and rattan table or dining table designed by Danny Ho Fong and produced by Tropi-Cal, USA, 1950s.
Metal
$2,800
H 26 in W 73 in D 30 in
Caned Dining Table by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-cal in Iron and Rattan, c 1960s
By Danny Ho Fong, Tropi-cal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This lovely California Modern low dining table by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-cal features an iron frame that holds a woven cane rattan top, along with a glass pane to use as a solid surface over the caned rattan. Somewhat lower than traditional dining tables, this table would be ideal to pair with stools opposed to standard dining tables. Or another idea is using cushions to sit on, could even use low seating such as a Roche Bobois Mah Jong cushions or Togo lounge chair, loveseat or sofa. Great for patios and other outdoors spaces. This laid-back casual cool dining table...
Iron
$1,150
H 15 in W 36 in D 18 in
Classic Mid-Century Modern Wicker and Iron Cocktail Table by Danny Ho Fong
By Danny Ho Fong
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Mid-Century Modern wicker and iron cocktail table by Danny Ho Fong.
Iron
1950s Drafting Table, Nestler, Vintage
By Nestler
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique drafting table by the renowned manufacturer Nestler from the 1950s. The robust cast iron frame is complemented by a sophisticated counterbalance system, allowing the drawing b...
Metal
Paolo Buffa wooden table 1950s
By Paolo Buffa
Located in bari, IT
Simple but elegant inlaid and worked wood table attributed to the early work of Paolo Buffa late 1950s. The table presents two hidden drawers that, in addition to being storage, can ...
Wood
$2,500
H 18 in W 47 in D 25 in
Grosfeld House, Hollywood Regency, Coffee Table, White, Wood, Mirror, USA, 1950s
By Grosfeld House
Located in Stamford, CT
An off-white paint decorated coffee - low table by Grosfeld House. The pilaster column base supporting a wooden gallery mirrored top.
Mirror
$2,552Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.93 in W 33.47 in D 19.69 in
1950s French Lacquered Metal, Brass and Glass Coffee Table
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This coffee table is made of lacquered metal, brass and glass. This is a very simple and chic model. French work attributed to famous French designer Jacques Adnet. Circa 1950
Metal, Brass
Danny Ho Fong Coffee Table
By Danny Ho Fong
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Danny Ho Fong rattan and glass coffee table for Tropi-Cal, 1950's Iron frame with original woven wicker lower shelf floating below glass top wrapped in rattan Large in scale - at ...
Iron
Vintage Oak Passing Table, 1950s
Located in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, FR
Vintage Oak Passing Table, 1950s Vintage Design XXL Table of Passementerie dating from the 1950s, from a Passementière factory in Lyon. Made of solid oak, this table offers exceptio...
Wood, Oak
Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-Cal Basket Weave Rattan Side Table Pair
By Danny Ho Fong, Tropi-cal
Located in Lutz, FL
Pair of uncommon Tanganika model basket weave rattan side/end table pair designed by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-Cal circa 1970's. Lovely open hand woven basket weave rattan frames with ...
Composition
Italian 1950s Walnut Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1950s table with accents for your entry, living or any chic spot.
Walnut
$1,184
H 17.72 in Dm 23.23 in
Ignazio Gardella Italian Blue Metal Tripod Side Table with Laminated Top, 1950s
By Ignazio Gardella
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Italian Mid-Century round table in blue enameled metal and brass with a charming blue-gray laminated top. This stylish piece was designed by Ignazio Gardella and produced i...
Brass, Iron
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26 in W 73 in D 30 in
Danny Ho Fong California Modern Woven Cane Dining Table
By Danny Ho Fong
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Chic California modern woven cane top dining table designed by Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-cal. Rare white finish with an iron frame that holds the w...
Iron