Description
The Ritts Company benefited from the popularity of rattan furniture during the post-World War II era. Herb Ritts acted as the company's furniture designer, and Shirley was in charge of sales and marketing. The couple had four children whom they raised in a 27-room, Spanish-style house in Brentwood, California. Ritts assisted with the set design on Elvis Presley's 1961 film Blue Hawaii, in which she used rattan furniture and Polynesian design. Ritts often traveled extensively once her company introduced a line of high-end Lucite furniture.
Signed "Ritts Tropitan Los Angels"
Measurements: 21" x 35" x 13.75"
United States, 1950
We only purchase and sell only the best and finest rattan furniture made by the best and most well-known American designers and manufacturers including:
Ritts Company.(Herb Sr. and Shirley Ritts)
Tropitan
Seven Seas Rattan
Paul Frankl
Tropical Sun Rattan
These designers and companies helped to popularize rattan furniture in the United States during the 1930s through the 1960s.
Shirley Ritts was the mother of photographer and music video director Herb Ritts Jr. Shirley Ritts was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 28, 1920. Herb Ritts Sr. also invented the "S springs" under the cushions in the early 50s and replaced the wrapping with preformed plastic.
Paul Frankl came from New York just before the Depression after a great run designing his renowned Skyscraper furniture line. He designed and decorated the homes of Hollywood’s top stars and producers from his Beverly Hills shop.
Paul Laszló was a Hungarian-born architect and interior designer whose work spanned eight decades and many countries. László built his reputation while designing interiors for houses in the 1950s to 60s, Including rattan furniture in his style.
C.W. Fishbeck started Tropical Sun Rattan of Pasadena in 1905. Tropical Sun produced top quality real rattan furniture in the Philippines where most of the above designers also had their designs made. He had showrooms across the country.
We have in stock at this time a vast array of rattan from all of these designers, decorators, and architects; their sofas, chairs, and tables, just about all their designed products from the 40s through the '60s.
All rattan, bamboo, and wicker furniture has been painstakingly refurbished to the highest standards with the best materials. Rattan workers do all refinishing with over 30 years of experience. Every wrapping and joint has been inspected by “The Rattan Man” Harvey Schwartz to guarantee you the finest product available and enjoy for years in your home or office.
Harvey Schwartz is the leading expert in vintage rattan and the author of "Rattan Furniture: Tropical Comfort Throughout the Home."
Reserve: $1,440.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Rattan & Mahogany Double Arch "Tropitan" 2-Tier Side Table by Ritts, Pair
Estimate $1,500-$2,000
Starting Price
$1,100
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Eclectic Elegance: Mid-Century Deco Design
Jun 11, 2026 3:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
TOP






























