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TEH CANE TRADING CO PTE LTD Main Web Site : http://www.tehcane.com
The name of "rattan" originates from the Malay word "rotan" meaning "to pare" and is the stem of a climbing palm. Some would consider cane as species with diameter above 20 mm. And rattan with diameter below 20mm. Cane and rattan are considered as a spiny climbing plants of South East Asia region. But it is infact found in most tropical rain forest around the world. The stems vary in thickness from approximately 2mm to 60mm in diameter, and can grow to a few hundred meters in length. Some plants produce a large number of stems from a single plant whilst others produce solitary stems. The main stems grow from their parents plant to tree height, falling to the jungle floor under their own weight and than climbing to tree-top height again. Plant maturity is reached after six to fifteen years in which the stems can change from green to yellow colour with an increase in toughness and strength. With a great number of species available ( Calamus, - 375 species, Daemonorops, Plectocomia and Korthalsia ). The quality of rattan is varied and can be classified as durable, tough and flexible. Chaircane, Rattan Skin (Peel), Rattan Core (Reed) and Flat Oval Core are some processed material for furniture making. But before it can be use, it must be processed through various stages of production and much work is required in the process. It is believed that, rattan processing work originated from Southern China during the 18th Century. Hand labour to split, pear, trimmed to transform it into Rattan Skin, Core etc. It was only until 19th Century that simple manual machine were first introduced to relieve part of hand labour. Later motor driven machine were introduced. As there are numerous species available, different processing technique are used to mature the raw stems. Some are simply sun dried, whilst others are cook in minerals. Next, seasoning and drying would take a number of weeks for the canes to mature. Thereafter, chemicals are used to clean and condition the rattan. Further seasoning with sulphur is necessary to uniform its colour and bring out its brightness. After processing, quality and sizing are stringently controlled. These differentaition processes allow the furnishing sector to concentrate only on their requirement and thus minimise wastages. With further precision tooling and machinery, it is secondary transform into split and reed for stained and coloured finishing. After that weaving is followed. After the above routine procedure, packing is the next course. Excellent packing will enhance its presentation and storage. Proper packing forbid damages in the material during transit to its user. It is also an assurance of its merchantable quality and standard. With all the materials readily prepare for its user, the furniture manufacturer under-goes another strenuous assemble process. Variety of material and sizes are needed to complete a single furniture. Numerous tools and equipment are used in these processes. And lastly, staining and colouring are matched to complete its lasting and elegant finish. It is the technical expertise and precision mechanisms that transform these spiny climbing plants into its beautiful and exquisite furnishing. Basketries and furniture were a few common items in the earlier days. It was later introduced to manufacturer of sports goods, construction equipment and hardware toolings. Even disciplinary and martial arts apparatus were fabricated from cane and rattan. No wonder is has been acclaimed as a material with 1001 uses. Extract from S.R.I.A. 85th Anniversary Magazine / Written by Lim Liong Kee & Eric Tay
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