Papasan chair

A Papasan chair

A papasan chair (also called a bowl chair or moon chair) is a large rounded bowl-shaped chair with an adjustable angle. The bowl rests in an upright frame traditionally made of rattan, but also sometimes made of sturdy wicker or wood.

The cushion of the chair is typically thick velveteen material filled with cotton fluff similar to that of a futon. In traditional papasans, the cushion can be removed and used outside of the sturdy frame.

Papasan chairs are typically 35–60 inches wide and 35 inches deep.

History

The papasan chair gained popularity when American World War II service members brought them home from Asia, where they had been used in the Philippines and Japan for centuries.

Types

The mamasan chair is a double-seating version, and was introduced to the western world in the 1950s. Prior to that it was in use in far eastern Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. It can also be called a double papasan chair, which term is widely used.

Further reading

• Kelly, John (17 July 2017). "Tracing the Elusive History of Pier 1's Ubiquitous 'Papasan' Chair". Atlas Obscura.