#solihiya

It is called Solihiya and it was commonly used in Spanish era Philippines as the seat cushion and seat back in furniture. I am guessing it is a Chinese influence but I have yet to find an account of its history. I am not even sure why it is called Solihiya but I do think it is a pretty name.

My family's business since the 1930's is furniture making so solihiya for me brings back  memories of my grandfather's factory when it was just walking distance from our home. Before the plastic "Monoblock" chairs were invented, there were only rattan solihiya chairs. My aunt told me that when the Beatles came to Manila in the 60's, our company supplied the solihiya chairs for the audience. (Interestingly, the Beatles ended up getting on the bad side of the then dictator's wife, Imelda Marcos, and were, quite literally, kicked out of the country)