A Day in the Life of a Rattan Artisan

Where Craft Meets Daily Rhythm

While the world sees beautiful rattan chairs, lamps, and tables—we see the people behind them. At Aksata Rattan, every product starts in the skilled hands of artisans who turn raw materials into lasting works of art.

Today, we take you behind the scenes into a typical day in the life of a rattan artisan in our workshop in Central Java.

1. Morning: From Community to Craft

6:30 AM – Most artisans begin their day early, having breakfast with their families before heading to the workshop or home-based weaving stations.

7:30 AM – Arriving at the workshop, the artisan checks their job card for the day. It might be weaving a new batch of dining chairs, repairing a custom lounge frame, or finishing the final details of a pendant lamp.

Before they begin, tools are laid out:

• Bent nose pliers

• Smoothing blades

• Damp cloths to keep the rattan supple

• Natural glue and lacquer brushes

2. Mid-Morning: Precision Weaving Begins

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM – The artisan begins work. For example, Bu Rina, one of our most experienced weavers, is tasked with making six identical chair backs for a hotel project in Dubai.

Each movement is precise:

• Rattan strands are soaked briefly for flexibility

• Weaving begins from the center outward to maintain symmetry

• Any slight misalignment is corrected instantly

“Waktu berjalan cepat saat saya bekerja,” Bu Rina says. “Saya fokus agar setiap anyaman serasi satu sama lain.”

Around 10:30, a short tea break with traditional snacks is shared among the team.

3. Afternoon: Collaboration and Quality Checks

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch is often enjoyed together under a shaded area near the workshop—simple meals, lots of stories, and laughter.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM – The artisan resumes their task or may collaborate with others on larger pieces. At this time, a QC supervisor might stop by to:

• Measure symmetry

• Check tightness of weave

• Review photo reference from the client for custom orders

Artisans give feedback too—suggesting better methods or adjusting design elements to improve durability or comfort.

4. Evening: Completion and Community

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM – Pieces finished today are tagged, stacked, and prepped for finishing or packing. The artisan takes pride in seeing their work lined up for shipment abroad.

At the end of the day, most artisans return home to their families, often carrying extra rattan strips to finish weaving projects at home.

Some, like Pak Darto, enjoy mentoring younger weavers in the village during the evening—passing on skills and keeping the tradition alive.

5. Why Their Work Matters

The artistry of our rattan craftsmen isn’t just about design—it’s about:

• ✋ Patience and precision

• 🧶 Generational knowledge

• 🌏 Creating global impact from rural villages

• ❤️ Making each piece feel personal

For every buyer who chooses handmade rattan, you’re supporting lives, families, and traditions.

Conclusion: It’s Not Just a Chair, It’s a Day’s Work

A single rattan chair may take hours—or even days—to complete. And behind each one is a real person with a rhythm, routine, and respect for their craft.

At Aksata Rattan, we don’t just sell furniture—we share the spirit of the hands that made it.

📩 Want to feature our artisans in your showroom or story? Contact sales@aksatarattan.com🌐 Explore more behind-the-scenes stories at www.aksatarattan.com