The Preservation Of Memory And Craftsmanship
In the 1960s, Taiwan was renowned as the global hub of the rattan industry, and rattan furniture could be found in every household. However, over time, the rattan industry in Taiwan has declined, and rattan furniture has gradually faded from people's lives. We firmly believe that a valuable culture and craftsmanship should not disappear, especially considering that rattan furniture is highly suitable for Taiwan's hot and humid climate. As a response, we established Mattan with the vision of reviving rattan furniture in Taiwan and promoting it worldwide. We aim to reintroduce rattan furniture with a fresh and contemporary perspective, allowing people to appreciate the beauty and benefits of rattan in their everyday lives.
New Technique & Responsibility
Rattan requires large trees for its growth, and therefore, in many regions where rattan is a source of economic livelihood, efforts are made to protect local forests to facilitate the growth of rattan. This makes rattan a sustainable material choice. It is one of the reasons why we have chosen rattan as the primary material for our Mattan furniture.
During the design process of our first rattan chair, we delved into the rattan-producing areas and worked closely with local factories to learn about the unique characteristics of rattan and the techniques for crafting rattan furniture. Collaborating with these factories, we developed a "counterbalanced construction" technique specifically for constructing rattan furniture. This technique minimizes material waste while creating structures with high strength. Utilizing this approach, we were able to create the chair back and legs using just two rattan poles, resulting in a sleek and streamlined design. Thus, our first furniture piece, the Ghyll Chair, was born.
We remain committed to carrying forward traditional craftsmanship while embracing social responsibility. Through innovative techniques, we aim to showcase the diverse and captivating aspects of rattan.