This is a basket bag handwoven from water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds. We introduce two types of this plump-shaped bag with tightly woven patterns.
There is the “Low” type, which is wider and shallower, and the “High” type, which is taller and slightly rounded toward the bottom.
Even among water hyacinth products, the types of items—such as baskets, basket bags, small containers, and pot mats—vary depending on the artisans (region) and weaving techniques.
Most artisans are women in their 40s to 70s. Most of them weave baskets within village groups or as part of family-based teams.
Many artisans weave as a full-time occupation, while others make baskets alongside their farming activities. Those working part-time often pause weaving during harvest seasons to focus on agriculture.
As with Krajood basketry, although young weavers remain few, there is a renewed appreciation within Thailand for natural material products, and it seems that more young people are starting to take an interest in basketry.
After harvesting, water hyacinth is thoroughly sun-dried and then fumigated.Fumigation removes moisture from the material, making it stable for basket weaving. It also helps deter insects.Depending on the artisan, fumigation may be done either after drying or after the basket has been woven.The body of the basket is woven with care, incorporating braided stalks throughout.The Low type has a more pronounced plump shape.This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave.This is the view from inside the basket. The rope-like handle is tied and secured. Please avoid lifting or pulling the basket by only one handle, as it may cause damage.The handles are also made from water hyacinth, crafted by weaving slender strips together. Please hold both handles evenly when carrying the bag.The base uses especially thick and wide materials for added structure.Now, let us introduce each type. This is the Low type.It has a charming, plump silhouette with gently bulged sides.Its low height means it doesn’t feel bulky or imposing.Spacious enough to carry your wallet, keys, phone, and a pouch—perfect for everyday outings.This is the High type.Thick water hyacinth stalks and braided elements are woven together alternately and with great care.Its taller profile helps conceal the contents inside from view.The slightly rounded shape toward the bottom adds a soft, appealing look—perfect for daily use.Its intricate, beautiful weaving is sure to catch the eye.
Since water hyacinth is particularly sensitive to humidity, a matte varnish has been applied to the entire basket as a finishing touch. This coating helps prevent the material from absorbing moisture.
For storage, it is best to keep the basket indoors in a well-ventilated place to avoid humidity. It is better to store it on a higher shelf or hang it rather than leaving it on the floor. If you live in a two-story house, storing it on the upper floor is recommended.
This water hyacinth tote features a soft, plump shape and a tightly woven structure—both part of its charm. It pairs beautifully with any outfit—from dresses to denim and T-shirts. Coordinating it with a stole or a hat sounds like fun, too.
Please choose the type that suits you best.
About Water Hyacinth Craftwork in Thailand
Also known as “hotei aoi” in Japanese, water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that floats and grows on the surfaces of lakes, marshes, ponds, and gently flowing rivers.
This plant is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, and basketry using water hyacinth can be seen in many regions.
In Thailand, water hyacinth can be harvested year-round, but it is said that healthier plants are harvested outside of the dry season (January to April). The color of the grass (and thus the basket) also varies depending on the harvesting region.
Various methods are used in processing: splitting the thick stems into different widths for weaving, twisting the stems into rope-like strands before weaving, peeling the stems thinly and wrapping them, or compressing and shaping them. Water hyacinth is a material that is relatively easy to work with. For baskets and basket bags, weaving is often done along wooden molds, while items like pot mats and slippers are typically crafted by hand without molds, relying on the artisan’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are crafted in the fertile central plains of Thailand, along the Chao Phraya River, where rice-growing regions spread across Suphanburi, Ang Thong, and Chainat provinces.
This is a basket bag handwoven from water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds. We introduce two types of this plump-shaped bag with tightly woven patterns.
There is the “Low” type, which is wider and shallower, and the “High” type, which is taller and slightly rounded toward the bottom.
Even among water hyacinth products, the types of items—such as baskets, basket bags, small containers, and pot mats—vary depending on the artisans (region) and weaving techniques.
Most artisans are women in their 40s to 70s. Most of them weave baskets within village groups or as part of family-based teams.
Many artisans weave as a full-time occupation, while others make baskets alongside their farming activities. Those working part-time often pause weaving during harvest seasons to focus on agriculture.
As with Krajood basketry, although young weavers remain few, there is a renewed appreciation within Thailand for natural material products, and it seems that more young people are starting to take an interest in basketry.
After harvesting, water hyacinth is thoroughly sun-dried and then fumigated.Fumigation removes moisture from the material, making it stable for basket weaving. It also helps deter insects.Depending on the artisan, fumigation may be done either after drying or after the basket has been woven.The body of the basket is woven with care, incorporating braided stalks throughout.The Low type has a more pronounced plump shape.This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave.This is the view from inside the basket. The rope-like handle is tied and secured. Please avoid lifting or pulling the basket by only one handle, as it may cause damage.The handles are also made from water hyacinth, crafted by weaving slender strips together. Please hold both handles evenly when carrying the bag.The base uses especially thick and wide materials for added structure.Now, let us introduce each type. This is the Low type.It has a charming, plump silhouette with gently bulged sides.Its low height means it doesn’t feel bulky or imposing.Spacious enough to carry your wallet, keys, phone, and a pouch—perfect for everyday outings.This is the High type.Thick water hyacinth stalks and braided elements are woven together alternately and with great care.Its taller profile helps conceal the contents inside from view.The slightly rounded shape toward the bottom adds a soft, appealing look—perfect for daily use.Its intricate, beautiful weaving is sure to catch the eye.
Since water hyacinth is particularly sensitive to humidity, a matte varnish has been applied to the entire basket as a finishing touch. This coating helps prevent the material from absorbing moisture.
For storage, it is best to keep the basket indoors in a well-ventilated place to avoid humidity. It is better to store it on a higher shelf or hang it rather than leaving it on the floor. If you live in a two-story house, storing it on the upper floor is recommended.
This water hyacinth tote features a soft, plump shape and a tightly woven structure—both part of its charm. It pairs beautifully with any outfit—from dresses to denim and T-shirts. Coordinating it with a stole or a hat sounds like fun, too.
Please choose the type that suits you best.
About Water Hyacinth Craftwork in Thailand
Also known as “hotei aoi” in Japanese, water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that floats and grows on the surfaces of lakes, marshes, ponds, and gently flowing rivers.
This plant is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, and basketry using water hyacinth can be seen in many regions.
In Thailand, water hyacinth can be harvested year-round, but it is said that healthier plants are harvested outside of the dry season (January to April). The color of the grass (and thus the basket) also varies depending on the harvesting region.
Various methods are used in processing: splitting the thick stems into different widths for weaving, twisting the stems into rope-like strands before weaving, peeling the stems thinly and wrapping them, or compressing and shaping them. Water hyacinth is a material that is relatively easy to work with. For baskets and basket bags, weaving is often done along wooden molds, while items like pot mats and slippers are typically crafted by hand without molds, relying on the artisan’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are crafted in the fertile central plains of Thailand, along the Chao Phraya River, where rice-growing regions spread across Suphanburi, Ang Thong, and Chainat provinces.
This is a basket bag handwoven from water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds. We introduce two types of this plump-shaped bag with tightly woven patterns.
There is the “Low” type, which is wider and shallower, and the “High” type, which is taller and slightly rounded toward the bottom.
Even among water hyacinth products, the types of items—such as baskets, basket bags, small containers, and pot mats—vary depending on the artisans (region) and weaving techniques.
Most artisans are women in their 40s to 70s. Most of them weave baskets within village groups or as part of family-based teams.
Many artisans weave as a full-time occupation, while others make baskets alongside their farming activities. Those working part-time often pause weaving during harvest seasons to focus on agriculture.
As with Krajood basketry, although young weavers remain few, there is a renewed appreciation within Thailand for natural material products, and it seems that more young people are starting to take an interest in basketry.
After harvesting, water hyacinth is thoroughly sun-dried and then fumigated.Fumigation removes moisture from the material, making it stable for basket weaving. It also helps deter insects.Depending on the artisan, fumigation may be done either after drying or after the basket has been woven.The body of the basket is woven with care, incorporating braided stalks throughout.The Low type has a more pronounced plump shape.This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave.This is the view from inside the basket. The rope-like handle is tied and secured. Please avoid lifting or pulling the basket by only one handle, as it may cause damage.The handles are also made from water hyacinth, crafted by weaving slender strips together. Please hold both handles evenly when carrying the bag.The base uses especially thick and wide materials for added structure.Now, let us introduce each type. This is the Low type.It has a charming, plump silhouette with gently bulged sides.Its low height means it doesn’t feel bulky or imposing.Spacious enough to carry your wallet, keys, phone, and a pouch—perfect for everyday outings.This is the High type.Thick water hyacinth stalks and braided elements are woven together alternately and with great care.Its taller profile helps conceal the contents inside from view.The slightly rounded shape toward the bottom adds a soft, appealing look—perfect for daily use.Its intricate, beautiful weaving is sure to catch the eye.
Since water hyacinth is particularly sensitive to humidity, a matte varnish has been applied to the entire basket as a finishing touch. This coating helps prevent the material from absorbing moisture.
For storage, it is best to keep the basket indoors in a well-ventilated place to avoid humidity. It is better to store it on a higher shelf or hang it rather than leaving it on the floor. If you live in a two-story house, storing it on the upper floor is recommended.
This water hyacinth tote features a soft, plump shape and a tightly woven structure—both part of its charm. It pairs beautifully with any outfit—from dresses to denim and T-shirts. Coordinating it with a stole or a hat sounds like fun, too.
Please choose the type that suits you best.
About Water Hyacinth Craftwork in Thailand
Also known as “hotei aoi” in Japanese, water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that floats and grows on the surfaces of lakes, marshes, ponds, and gently flowing rivers.
This plant is commonly found throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, and basketry using water hyacinth can be seen in many regions.
In Thailand, water hyacinth can be harvested year-round, but it is said that healthier plants are harvested outside of the dry season (January to April). The color of the grass (and thus the basket) also varies depending on the harvesting region.
Various methods are used in processing: splitting the thick stems into different widths for weaving, twisting the stems into rope-like strands before weaving, peeling the stems thinly and wrapping them, or compressing and shaping them. Water hyacinth is a material that is relatively easy to work with. For baskets and basket bags, weaving is often done along wooden molds, while items like pot mats and slippers are typically crafted by hand without molds, relying on the artisan’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are crafted in the fertile central plains of Thailand, along the Chao Phraya River, where rice-growing regions spread across Suphanburi, Ang Thong, and Chainat provinces.
