Despite its elegance, not much is written about the Batibot Chair, a Filipino counterpart of the Vienna Bentwood. Originally made from bent iron rods, the batibot lives up to its namesake, the etymology coming from a history of sturdiness and firmness. In fact, the word batibot apparently means small but hard and sturdy.
This seat became popular in the late 1950s and 1960s in the Philippines, becoming part of the classical households of the past. A cursory online search for the furniture leads to a series of posts. But look at the price. This furniture costs a lot, an entire set a great find for collectors looking for that classic Filipino interior design.
The design of the Batibot chair is characterized by wooden rounded seats and bent iron rods forming a circular and semi-heart shaped backrest.
References:
The Batibot chair meaning”. Facebook. Manila Fame. https://www.facebook.com/ManilaFAMEofficial/photos/the-batibot-chair-meaning-small-but-strong-and-sturdy-chair-became-popular-in-th/626880607441251/
Chan, Rence. “Batibot Chairs.” Collectors Connection, September 6, 2013. https://renz15.wordpress.com/tag/batibot-chairs/.
Cloma, Leo. “Batibot Chair.” Flickr. Yahoo!, December 22, 2014. https://www.flickr.com/photos/28098727@N00/15891531879.
“Depinisyon Ng Batibot, Kahulugan Ng Batibot.” depinisyon kahulugan. Accessed August 4, 2020. http://m.depinisyon.com/depinisyon-17115-batibot.php.
Facebook. Accessed August 4, 2020. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.202050436549778.50568.201579093263579.
“r/Philippines – TIL This Chair Is Called ‘Batibot Chair’. Hey, You Might Have One in Your House Too.” reddit. Accessed August 4, 2020. https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/20br8v/til_this_chair_is_called_batibot_chair_hey_you/.
Salcedo Auctions. Accessed August 4, 2020. https://salcedoauctions.com/item/3170.
Image source from GHDC Trading. https://www.facebook.com/GHDC-Trading-201579093263579/?tn-str=k*F
https://www.canva.com/design/DAEBxUuVi1E/3iViGxtbJizf2v7G-8mbBg/edit