The word Rattan is derived from the Malay word rotan and comprises of approximately 600 species of climbing palms from the Calamoideae subfamily. Calamoideae also includes the raffia palm amongst others.
Rattan predominantly grow in Southeast Asia, but can also be found in tropical Africa.
History
Wicker, the process of weaving, has a long history with items having been found in the tombs of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. The use of wicker items has been well documented throughout Europe and the UK as early as 1200BC. As European travellers explored Southeast Asia, they returned with a new palm, rattan.
Rattan is stronger than what was traditionally used in European wicker, increasing the potential uses in furniture making. As rattan is not hollow like bamboo, the soft inner core can be separated to be used for weaving, making rattan a very versatile product.
Rattan Sustainability
Rattan is a fast growing family of plants, faster growing than most other forrest woods. In addition to this, rattan is easier to transport and requires simpler tools to work with compared to traditional forest wood.
In places where deforestation is having a significant ecological impact, rattan is a sustainable alternative which reduces the need for logging. As rattan is a climbing palm, it relies on other trees being protected in order to farm. The sustainable farming of rattan leads to the protection of forest lands as well as economic benefits for those involved in all aspects of the industry.
Rattan Care
Each piece of rattan furniture at Casana Studio is hand crafted by artisans using high quality natural products. Due to the nature of rattan, each piece is unique and may have slight variations in colour and finish.
As rattan is from warm humid climates, many care strategies aim to emulate its natural environment. Ideally, rattan pieces should be kept out of direct harsh sunlight. Excess sun exposure and dry climates can lead to the rattan drying and splitting. Rattan also shouldn't sit wet as it can be susceptible to mould.
So, how do you care for rattan in Perth, Australia? With hot dry summers and often heavy rains in winter, it would seem rattan is off the cards. But fear not, you can still have your resort style spaces of your own in Perth!
Application of a high quality furniture polish or oil is recommended for protection. This is particularly useful to protect pieces from the sun and the dry air. Rattan can go outside in Perth, however, it is better to have it undercover. If it is in a location where it is in the sun, wipe over regularly with a damp cloth to prevent excessive drying. Aim to place rattan out of the sun if possible, but if not, morning sun is better than midday or afternoon sun.
When it comes to rattan in winter, so long as it is out of the weather and dry, there is no additional care required to prevent deterioration. However, if your rattan furniture can get wet, it is a good idea to ensure it has protective plastic pads attached to the bottom of any legs to prevent direct contact with any wet ground. If the rattan will get regularly exposed to rain, it should be properly stored in a clean, dry area over the winter period.