The Art of Caning

The art of caning is regaining momentum in the design industry. It has evolved into an art form that is no longer just associated with traditional design, but also embodies a modern edge. Caning is the method of weaving furniture out of a wicker material that is most often derived from cane. As a skillful tradition that originated in Asia, it was brought to Europe during the 17th century and quickly became popular for being lightweight and durable.

Caned pieces are available in an array of styles, the selection often relies heavily on the type of quality one wishes their piece to posses. French caning is one of the more intricate designs and it tends to have a lifespan twenty years longer than those that are machine made.  French caned pieces are designed in a way that allows each individual strand of cane to be secured with glue so that the end result is clean and smooth. Since the reign of Louis XV, these masterfully constructed furnishings have come to be cherished as great additions in many refined homes and modern day interiors.

The art of caning is often placed in the category of being traditional and classically styled. However, Phillipe Bestenheider and Robert Lighton are just a few of the designers that are working to give a new bold and exquisitely styled look to caned pieces.  The Lui5 Arm Chair (as seen above) is truly a beauty.  It boasts a wooden frame with hand-woven caning and when placed in any room would certainly stand out as a statement piece. Combining a mixture of patterns, lines, textures and materials to create collections that are overflowing with character; the finished furnishings are graceful and stylishly re-defined. With the development of machine caning many of these pieces are more accessible than ever with a great variety of designs to choose from.