The rattan winding technique plays an important role in bamboo and rattan crafts in Asia. Whether it is bamboo or rattan, rattan winding is commonly used to refine the finished work and enhance its beauty.
The rattan skin is strong and soft, so it is used as a rim, a fastener, a corner protector, for all bamboo woven objects. In addition to its practicality, rattan is very versatile and can be used to create delicate patterns for decorative purposes, enhancing the quality of the piece. The technique of rattan winding is a test of the craftsman’s patience and dedication to detail, which is why in many classic works you will find the craftsmen expressing their dedication to their crafts with rattan winding.
In this workshop, contemporary artisans Cecilia Lai and Barnard Chan will introduce the function, use and pattern of rattan winding, and also share the use of rattan winding to make a card holder.
Contemporary Artisans
Breakthrough Art Studio
Cecilia Lai has been interested in crafts since childhood, especially in exploring materials and making processes. She worked in the media industry after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Textile at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After a few years, she turned to developing the craft of weaving. Barnard Chan was exposed to modern woodworking from childhood as his father was in the carpentry business.
The duo co-founded Breakthrough Art Studio in 2015 to focus on the exploration and research of traditional weaving crafts, as well as the cultural and creative industry. They are also developing a local brand of weaving tools and corresponding workshops. Based on their in-depth study of Southeast Asian textile culture, they have developed a comprehensive and structured curriculum to make the craft of weaving and the culture behind it more accessible to the public. They believe the exploration of crafts and natural materials is a never-ending journey, and each complements the other, motivating them to seek more possibilities in mixed media.