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.
Taiwanese Original Design
The G-Mark judges mentioned in their evaluation: "Pursuing to utilize characteristics of rattan, this product admirably achieved minimal and simple design that fits modern lifestyle by adopting a new technique with revised structure instead of the conventional method developed from improvement of handicraft production."
This statement perfectly reflects the goal we have been striving toward over the past few years with the Ghyll Chair—bringing Taiwan's rattan craftsmanship back into the spotlight of everyday life.
The Best Rattan
The world's finest rattan comes from Indonesia. Located in the equatorial tropical rainforest region, Indonesia benefits from abundant sunlight and rainfall, combined with nutrient-rich volcanic ash soil. These conditions result in high yields and exceptional quality rattan, characterized by thick, sturdy strands with a full and even texture. Man-Teng Furniture uses only the highest-quality Tohiti rattan from Indonesia to craft its rattan furniture.
Hand Made
Natural rattan varies in thickness, flexibility, and hardness from strand to strand. As a result, each piece of rattan furniture must be handcrafted by skilled artisans, who carefully select suitable rattan and work with its unique characteristics.
This means that even furniture of the same design will never be exactly identical in appearance. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind handcrafted masterpiece, showcasing the artisan's expertise and artistry.
Environmentally Friendly
Rattan is a plant that requires large trees to climb and grow. In Indonesia, the government and various organizations work hard to protect rainforests and woodlands to provide the necessary environment for rattan to thrive. This ensures that local communities can harvest rattan and craft it into furniture.
As the global demand for rattan increases, more rainforests and woodlands are preserved to support its growth. This is one of the key reasons why we are dedicated to creating and promoting rattan furniture—it contributes to the protection of these vital ecosystems.