Leather-wrapped joints provide not only added strength and durability but also a quiet textural contrast to the rattan frame of this Chinese Chippendale-style side chair.David Francis is a master at blending exotic materials such as rattan, abaca, lampakanay, and bamboo with more-traditional materials like mahogany and cherry. His furniture is beautifully made and exudes a profound sense of history yet manages to be utterly timeless as well.