Bag “Super Braids” / Water Hyacinth / THA 3115217-1　タイ/ウォーターヒヤシンス　かごバッグ　AMI × AMI　ルイ版


							



This is a handbag handwoven from water hyacinth,
an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds.
We introduce this tightly woven basket bag featuring braided construction.




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 basket is made by weaving together strands of water hyacinth that have been braided into cords.


This is the top view. The rim is firmly finished with a four-strand braid.


This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave. 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 braiding the stalks together. When carrying, please hold both handles evenly to maintain balance.


This is the bottom view.


Like a box, the structure is firm and keeps its shape without collapsing.




It fits everyday essentials like a wallet, notebook, book, or a water bottle.








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 handbag—called “Super Braids”—features rows of fine braiding that catch the eye.
It pairs beautifully with any outfit, from dresses to denim and T-shirts.
Coordinating it with a stole or a hat also sounds like fun.




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 handbag handwoven from water hyacinth,
an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds.
We introduce this tightly woven basket bag featuring braided construction.

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 basket is made by weaving together strands of water hyacinth that have been braided into cords.
This is the top view. The rim is firmly finished with a four-strand braid.
This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave. 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 braiding the stalks together. When carrying, please hold both handles evenly to maintain balance.
This is the bottom view.
Like a box, the structure is firm and keeps its shape without collapsing.
It fits everyday essentials like a wallet, notebook, book, or a water bottle.

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 handbag—called “Super Braids”—features rows of fine braiding that catch the eye.
It pairs beautifully with any outfit, from dresses to denim and T-shirts.
Coordinating it with a stole or a hat also sounds like fun.

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 handbag handwoven from water hyacinth,
an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds.
We introduce this tightly woven basket bag featuring braided construction.




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 basket is made by weaving together strands of water hyacinth that have been braided into cords.


This is the top view. The rim is firmly finished with a four-strand braid.


This is the joint section where the handle is attached to the rim. The braided handle is threaded through the basket’s weave. 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 braiding the stalks together. When carrying, please hold both handles evenly to maintain balance.


This is the bottom view.


Like a box, the structure is firm and keeps its shape without collapsing.




It fits everyday essentials like a wallet, notebook, book, or a water bottle.








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 handbag—called “Super Braids”—features rows of fine braiding that catch the eye.
It pairs beautifully with any outfit, from dresses to denim and T-shirts.
Coordinating it with a stole or a hat also sounds like fun.




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.