The Teak Tree
Scientific classification: The teak tree belongs to the family Verbenaceae. It is classified as Tectona grandis.
"Teak,"
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
M. Ranjit/Photo Researchers, Inc.
The Story of the Teak Tree Roots
close up of the gnarled root formation
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In the late 19th century these magnificent Teak trees were cut down from the cliffs of South East Java, to make beautiful teakwood furniture for the Dutch colonists at that time. The stumps with the embedded roots were left.
Now up to 20 people have to climb these craggy cliffs to precariously remove these roots "one" at a time. These roots are then transported to Jakarta and other places in Indonesia. Syahrial has a license to remove the roots. He has several workshops. He studies the natural beauty and shape of these roots. He artistically decides with each root, what to create, a table, something to sit on, maybe a desk. The meticulous cleaning, sanding and finishing processes can take 6 to 8 months. Some pieces are carved by artisans which will take another couple of months on the bigger pieces. This is not mass production. Every piece is done with loving care to preserve the lines of nature. The wood is old and therefore naturally seasoned.
It is amazing how these roots live on. Syahrial and Tuti make these masterpieces of nature a useful objet d'art. They are proud of each piece.
Their pieces have been placed in private homes as well as in corporate offices throughout Asia. Syahrial and Tuti attend expositions in Singapore and Mauritius.
If you are interested to have Syahrial and Tuti come to your gallery or exposition, please contact us. Of course if you would like to have one of their masterpieces, don't hesitate to call us at 203 371 0047 (USA) or (62) 251 332839 (Indonesia, English is not spoken very well at this number). info@bingbingbing.com
Shipments could be for one piece or by container load.
The authenticity of the roots is documented.
The teak roots used in Indonesia is controlled by the Indonesian government. Authorization is given by the government how many roots may be removed.
close up of the gnarled root formation
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Teak, common name for a tall, deciduous timber tree, of the verbena family. The tree, which attains a height of about 30 m (about 100 ft), is native to India and the Malay Archipelago and is cultivated in the Philippine Islands and Java. The bluish to white flowers are arranged in terminal panicles, or clusters. The fruit is a drupe. Because of its durability and strength, teakwood is used throughout the world as lumber in shipbuilding. In the tropics, the wood is used primarily for the construction of furniture; teak furniture has been known to resist the attacks of insects and the corrosive effects of weather for hundreds of years. Substitutes for teak, which have been under extensive cultivation because of the increasing demand, are loosely termed teaks. African teak, or African oak, is a hardwood tree of the spurge family. ("Teak," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001)
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