Rattan or ‘rotan’ in Malay language is the long climbing plant with thorny leaves and glossy, water resistant surface. There are several hundreds species of rattan growing wild in the tropical rainforest in Terengganu, winding their way up neighbouring trees and attain a height of 5 to 6 hundred feel. Because it is strong, can be easily bent without breaking and lasts for years, it is made into furniture by the locals.
According to the furniture makers, the good quality rattan for furniture making is always selected and cut between October to April. After being cut, the thorny leaves will be removed and then the plant will be boiled as to kill the tissues while getting rid the sugar content as well as to prevent it from attacked by woodworms. Poles within the rattan will be sealed with a liquid to stops any insects from entering whereas rattan with smaller poles will be used for weaving after being dried under the sun. Bigger rattan are always made into trunks up furniture such as bed and sofa, however what is more common in Terengganu is the baskets, fishing traps as well as picketing stakes or walking sticks
According to the furniture makers, the good quality rattan for furniture making is always selected and cut between October to April. After being cut, the thorny leaves will be removed and then the plant will be boiled as to kill the tissues while getting rid the sugar content as well as to prevent it from attacked by woodworms. Poles within the rattan will be sealed with a liquid to stops any insects from entering whereas rattan with smaller poles will be used for weaving after being dried under the sun. Bigger rattan are always made into trunks up furniture such as bed and sofa, however what is more common in Terengganu is the baskets, fishing traps as well as picketing stakes or walking sticks
No comments:
Post a Comment