All About Rattan
Step into a world of rattan and explore more about the material, maintenance and recommended readings
THE MATERIAL
A Closer Look
With a passion for authentic craft from the island of Bali, at Uma Rattan we aim to place the inherent sustainable characteristics and traditional weaving methods of Indonesian rattan at the center of our designs.
Rattan encompasses a wide array of over 600 plants and trees, predominantly palm varieties. They are meticulously harvested and hand-woven to yield a lightweight yet enduring fabric known as rattan. This weaving tradition, spanning centuries in Southeast Asia, has been integral in crafting furniture and construction materials. Rattan is a sustainable plant-derived fabric that has been the cornerstone of craftsmanship in Indonesia for centuries. At Uma Rattan, we work with several Indonesian artisans and suppliers to continue this tradition.
What is Rattan?
Rattan, being part of the palm species, is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, making harvesting it a naturally sustainable process.
STEEPED IN TRADITION
Old World Palms Today
Indonesia’s tropical climate allows for vast palm forests around the country. These palm varieties can be in the form of long grasses to immensely tall trees. Rattan has been harvested for thousands of years, making the material synonymous with Indonesian ways of life. Once the rattan is woven, seen in the photo here, the material becomes extremely durable, allowing for the creation of multiple purposes from hunting materials to furniture. The dissemination of Southeast Asian rattan occurred during the rise of global sea travel, allowing Western cultures access to Old World palms. Today, the material remains accessible and popular in homes all over the world.
MORE RATTAN
Rattan Readings
Want to continue exploring Indonesian rattan? Here are some specific books we have come across that have further inspired our passion for the material
Architecture of Bali by Made Wijaya
Made Wijaya, the architect who spearheaded the indoor/outdoor living style synonymous with Bali, breaks down the secrets of natural living in his book.
Bali: Sustainable Visions by Isabella Ginanneschi
This book explores a closer look of how natural and renewable materials are maximised in Bali’s tropical interior and architecture culture.
Written by Soane creator Lulu Lytle, Rattan focuses on the material at the center of furniture and interiors history.
Rattan Maintenance
Rattan is a natural, hard-wearing material that does not usually require much maintenance. However, if you are using it to keep food items or finding your product is holding onto dust, please read our suggestions below.
Food storage
We recommend using a vacuum on a gentle setting with a brush attachment if possible. This will clear out any food residue or crumbs within the weaving without damaging the form of the weave.
Dust
We recommend using a dusting cloth (e.g. Swiffer) or a lightly damp cloth or kitchen towel to gently wipe your product down. If you are finding dust is stuck between the weaves, we suggest using a vacuum on a gentle setting with a brush attachment if possible.
Dining stains
If there are stains from food or candle wax for example, we recommend using a lightly damp cloth or kitchen towel to gently wipe your product down.
Sun fading
Please note every Uma Rattan item is handmade from a natural plant therefore it is easily susceptible to sun colouration. Because of this, the colour of your product may fade if placed in the sun for an extended period of time. We like to cherish this colouration as a part of the journey of the rattan.
Upgrade Your Morning
Add a natural touch to your bedside table or kitchen island with our versatile trays. Your everyday mugs and cafetières will instantly feel elevated.
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