coffee paintng - Seterika Arang

SETERIKA ARANG – The 'Seterika Arang' or the charcoal iron is very similar to the Victorian iron. Made of brass, the shape of the charcoal iron is not unlike that of the modern day electric iron. Pieces of coal are burnt until they turn the colour of amber before they are transferred into the chamber of the iron. The pieces of charcoal heat up the base of the iron with holes around the base to let fumes out. The lid is secured with a hook which in itself can be a beautiful work of art. The handle of the iron is usually made of wood, also sometimes with designs. As wood is not known to be a good conductor of heat, the handle is usually wrapped with layers of cloth. One way to gauge whether the iron is hot enough to be used is by using banana leaves. Run the iron on the leaf and if it runs smoothly, then it is ready to be used. The whole design of the traditional iron is certainly a work of art.