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.
Incredible Wave Lounge Chair and Ottoman Pair by Danny Ho Fong, circa 1970
By Tropi-cal, Danny Ho Fong
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare pair of majestic large-scale slipper chairs and matching ottomans by the great Danny Ho Fong for Tropi-cal, circa 1970. Heavy wrought iron frame finished in bamboo, with hands...
Wrought Iron
Extraordinary Pair of Art Deco Style Loungers by Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980
By Betty Cobonpue
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent pair of rare lounge chairs is unique on the market. They are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professional...
Rattan
Majestic Restored Rattan Emperors Seat by Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980
By Betty Cobonpue
Located in Atlanta, GA
A remarkable Emperors seat by the wickedly Talented Betty Cobonpue, circa 1980. Steamed reed rattan with a stunning detail over solid mahogany constructi...
Rattan, Mahogany
Sophisticated Restored Rush Cane Chaise Lounge by John Hutton for Donghia
By John Hutton, Donghia
Located in Atlanta, GA
This magnificent chaise lounge is shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and ready for upholstery. Expert...
Cane, Mahogany
Superb Pair of Tortoiseshell Pagoda Loungers by John Wisner for Ficks Reed
By John Wisner, Ficks Reed
Located in Atlanta, GA
These magnificent lounge chair frames are shipped as professionally photographed and described in the listing narrative: Meticulously professionally restored and ready for upholstery...
Rattan, Hardwood, Cane
Fabulous Restored Pair of Custom-Commissioned Rattan Loungers with Ottomans
Located in Atlanta, GA
A exceptional restored pair of vintage rattan lounge chairs with matching ottomans, circa 1968. These particular pieces were custo...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern "Wave" Slipper Lounge Chair in Bamboo by Danny Ho Fong
By Danny Ho Fong
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the incomparable Danny Ho Fong in 1970 this fascinating larger than life slipper chair is arguably one of his greatest creations. A pioneer in the use of organic materials like rattan and bamboo this "wave" chair is a prime example of Fong's brilliance and audacity. Built from solid bamboo and expertly fastened to a HEAVY solid steel frame this extraordinary chair...
Bamboo
Architectural Wave Chaise Lounge Chair by Lawrence Peabody for Selig, c. 1960s
By Selig, Lawrence Peabody
Located in Deland, FL
A contoured build sure to be the statement piece in your living space. Found in the original upholstery and set on maple tapered legs. Buy in it's original state or if the fabric isn...
Fabric
P3S Lounge Chair by Tito Agnoli, 1960s
By Tito Agnoli
Located in New York, NY
Wicker chaise longue by Tito Agnoli for Bonacina, Italy, 1960s. Agnoli, a Peruvian-born architect and designer who studied with Gio Ponti, was known for his restrained, functionalist...
Brass
P3 Chaise lounge chair by Tito Agnoli, Italy 1960's
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
This elegant chaise lounge, designed by renowned Italian architect and designer Tito Agnoli for Pierantonio Bonacina in 1962, is a striking example of Italian modernism. Crafted with...
Cane
Danny Ho Fong, Chaise Longue, Wicker, Steel, USA, 1960s
By Danny Ho Fong, Tropi-cal
Located in High Point, NC
A wicker over stainless steel "Wave" chaise longue or daybed designed by Danny Ho Fong and produced by Tropi-Cal, USA, c. 1966.
Steel
Danny Ho Fong, Chaise Longue, Wicker, Steel, USA, 1960s
By Tropi-cal, Danny Ho Fong
Located in High Point, NC
A wicker over stainless steel "Wave" chaise longue or daybed designed by Danny Ho Fong and produced by Tropi-Cal, USA, c. 1966.
Steel
