Emmanuelle Pomare Armchair or Morticias Chair, 1890s

Admit it, you too dream of owning one of these magnificent armchairs, an object of desire and fantasy.

But do you know its history? Let me tell you about it!

In 1974, the erotic film "Emmanuelle" appeared, and this armchair, formerly called "Pomare", adopted a new name and a whole new symbolism. It is thanks to the actress Sylvia Kristel, who, half-dressed, lasciviously caresses the rattan of the armchair with her body, that this piece of furniture becomes the icon we know today.

Poster for the very first film “Emmanuelle”, released in 1974.
Yes! Before becoming famous in the 70s, this armchair was called Pomare. You've probably noticed that it looks like a throne, and that's no coincidence: it was originally a Polynesian throne.

This armchair comes from the Pomare dynasty, a Polynesian royal family who ruled Tahiti at the end of the 18th century. The first king of this lineage, Pomare I, chose this name in homage to his daughter who died of tuberculosis at the age of 5. “Po” ​​meaning “night” and “maré” meaning cough, “Pomare” therefore means “cough at night”.

During the reign of Pomare V, at the beginning of the 20th century, this throne became known as the Pomare armchair. Legend has it that Prince Hinoi (Teriihinoiatua Teraimateata Pōmare) died sitting on his throne, and it is in his homage that the chair took its name in Polynesia.

Today, this famous rattan armchair has come back into fashion. It comes in all shapes and colors, blending in perfectly with any interior. It is sold at a high price both in period versions and in reproductions offered by major decoration brands.

Besides, a little anecdote: did you know that this armchair appeared on television even before the film “Emmanuelle”? In 1964, he was part of the set of the American series “The Addams Family”. It was then the throne of the beautiful Morticia, played by Carolyn Jones. In some countries, it is still called "Morticia's armchair", while in France, we know it better under the name "Emmanuelle armchair"