This reedlike material comes from certain plants such as bamboo and rattan. It was originally imported to Europe from Malaya during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is woven into a mesh, which is flexible and therefore comfortable to sit on. It is practical as well as decorative. There are three main caning techniques:

• Hand caning is the weaving of single pieces through holes in the wood.
• Machine or sheet caning which utilizes pre- woven sheet of caning and is press into a groove around the seat.
• Blind caning is the most difficult technique as it requires a great deal of skill to weave the single pieces through holes in the wood that is not visible one side.