What Is a Mamasan Chair?

Mamasan Chair

• A mamasan chair is also known as a papasan chair; the mamasan chair is a large version of the papasan chair, seating two people. Some people refer to a mamasan chair simply as a large bowl chair. Papasan and mamasan chairs were produced in the Philippines in the mid-1960s, and impressed American service personnel shipped them back to the United States. They were also produced in other areas of the world and first became known in the United States in the 1950s, but demand grew for the chairs in the '60s and '70s.

Characteristics

• Mamasan chairs consist of a large bowllike seat usually built from rattan, wood or wicker. The seat sits atop an upright frame traditionally made from the same material. Because the seat is detached from the frame, the angle of the bowl is adjustable, which allows a person to sit upright or recline. Some mamasan chairs and cushions are weather-resistant for outdoor use.

Cushions

• The seat cushion is large and fills the entire bowl. Mamasan seat cushions are often made from a thick, soft fabric stuffed with cotton filling. The cushions typically measure 78 by 58 inches and are 6 to 8 inches thick. They're unattached, making it easy to remove and clean the cushions or flip them over to display the other side. The cushions are too large to be machine-washed and are usually spot-cleaned, if needed. The cushions come in a variety of colors and styles, for both indoor or outdoor use. Also available are mamasan cushion slip covers, which protect the cushion fabric.

Modern Mamasan Chairs

• Modern mamasan chairs consist of sleek metal or plastic frames. They may also have a metal or plastic seat, but some are still made of tightly woven rattan. Some modern chairs don't include a detached seat that allows for angle adjustments, but are instead built similar to modern chairs with attached legs. Modern mamasan chairs usually fold into themselves, making for easier storage or transport. Some people refer to the collapsible versions as "moon chairs."