Betty Cobonpue Sculptural Split Reed Decorative/Jewelry Box, 1980s

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.