This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a small, breezy basket with large open-weave patterns that give it a light, airy feel.
Most of the artisans are women between their 30s and 70s, working in village groups or with their families to carry on the craft of basket weaving.
While there are also male artisans, most of them primarily work in agriculture and help with Kok weaving only during busy production periods.
As with Krajood weaving, young artisans are still few. However, the value of natural material products like these is being rediscovered in Thailand, and more young people are beginning to appreciate and use these baskets.
Kok is thoroughly sun-dried after harvesting.After drying, the softened Kok is hand-twisted into ropes.The twisted ropes are then shaped into baskets by weaving them over wooden frames. The twisted Kok strands create baskets with added strength and durability.The weaving technique used is similar to what is known in Japan as “shippō-ami” or macramé. This type of weave stretches slightly when items are placed inside.The rim is secured by weaving in the same twisted cords used to make the body.This is where the handle meets the rim. The handle is created by wrapping around the braided rim cord.The handle is finished by braiding several cords together.At the top, the two sides are joined and then tightly wrapped with Kok cord.Though it has no base panel, the weave stretches slightly, allowing it to hold round objects like balls.It also works well as a basket bag. Because the weave is relatively open, using a drawstring pouch or a simple cloth bag inside may be a good option.
Shown here with a handkerchief lining the inside, holding a small wallet and phone.
The handle is joined at the top where the two core cords meet, and then wrapped tightly with Kok. Please take care not to pull the handles apart forcefully or apply excessive weight to just one side, as this may damage the structure.
That said, Kok is a strong and resilient material with gentle flexibility, so we believe it will support your belongings well.
For storage, we recommend keeping it in a well-ventilated room where humidity does not accumulate—either placed on a higher shelf or hung. If you live in a two-story home, the second floor is better than the ground floor.
The texture is gentle to the touch, and it’s pleasantly light to carry. We hope you’ll enjoy using it on your everyday strolls or shopping trips.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai is a member of the sedge family that grows naturally in wetlands. It is believed to be a type of grass also known in Japan as “suge,” a name shared by thousands of species worldwide.
In Japan, suge is traditionally used to make hats, straw raincoats, and ropes. Similarly, Kok in Thailand can be twisted by hand to create strong cords for craftwork.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, though it is said that better-quality grass is obtained outside of the dry season (January to April).
Processing methods vary—some use thick stems that are split to different widths for weaving, others twist stems into ropes before weaving, peel them into thin sheets for wrapping, or shave them down. It is a material known for its flexibility in use. Basket bags are shaped using wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven entirely by hand without molds.
The pieces introduced here are made in “Isan,” a broad highland region at about 200 meters elevation in northeastern Thailand, known for its gentle undulating terrain.
Southern Isan – Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan – Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River, bordering Laos
This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a small, breezy basket with large open-weave patterns that give it a light, airy feel.
Most of the artisans are women between their 30s and 70s, working in village groups or with their families to carry on the craft of basket weaving.
While there are also male artisans, most of them primarily work in agriculture and help with Kok weaving only during busy production periods.
As with Krajood weaving, young artisans are still few. However, the value of natural material products like these is being rediscovered in Thailand, and more young people are beginning to appreciate and use these baskets.
Kok is thoroughly sun-dried after harvesting.After drying, the softened Kok is hand-twisted into ropes.The twisted ropes are then shaped into baskets by weaving them over wooden frames. The twisted Kok strands create baskets with added strength and durability.The weaving technique used is similar to what is known in Japan as “shippō-ami” or macramé. This type of weave stretches slightly when items are placed inside.The rim is secured by weaving in the same twisted cords used to make the body.This is where the handle meets the rim. The handle is created by wrapping around the braided rim cord.The handle is finished by braiding several cords together.At the top, the two sides are joined and then tightly wrapped with Kok cord.Though it has no base panel, the weave stretches slightly, allowing it to hold round objects like balls.It also works well as a basket bag. Because the weave is relatively open, using a drawstring pouch or a simple cloth bag inside may be a good option.
Shown here with a handkerchief lining the inside, holding a small wallet and phone.
The handle is joined at the top where the two core cords meet, and then wrapped tightly with Kok. Please take care not to pull the handles apart forcefully or apply excessive weight to just one side, as this may damage the structure.
That said, Kok is a strong and resilient material with gentle flexibility, so we believe it will support your belongings well.
For storage, we recommend keeping it in a well-ventilated room where humidity does not accumulate—either placed on a higher shelf or hung. If you live in a two-story home, the second floor is better than the ground floor.
The texture is gentle to the touch, and it’s pleasantly light to carry. We hope you’ll enjoy using it on your everyday strolls or shopping trips.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai is a member of the sedge family that grows naturally in wetlands. It is believed to be a type of grass also known in Japan as “suge,” a name shared by thousands of species worldwide.
In Japan, suge is traditionally used to make hats, straw raincoats, and ropes. Similarly, Kok in Thailand can be twisted by hand to create strong cords for craftwork.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, though it is said that better-quality grass is obtained outside of the dry season (January to April).
Processing methods vary—some use thick stems that are split to different widths for weaving, others twist stems into ropes before weaving, peel them into thin sheets for wrapping, or shave them down. It is a material known for its flexibility in use. Basket bags are shaped using wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven entirely by hand without molds.
The pieces introduced here are made in “Isan,” a broad highland region at about 200 meters elevation in northeastern Thailand, known for its gentle undulating terrain.
Southern Isan – Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan – Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River, bordering Laos
This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a small, breezy basket with large open-weave patterns that give it a light, airy feel.
Most of the artisans are women between their 30s and 70s, working in village groups or with their families to carry on the craft of basket weaving.
While there are also male artisans, most of them primarily work in agriculture and help with Kok weaving only during busy production periods.
As with Krajood weaving, young artisans are still few. However, the value of natural material products like these is being rediscovered in Thailand, and more young people are beginning to appreciate and use these baskets.
Kok is thoroughly sun-dried after harvesting.After drying, the softened Kok is hand-twisted into ropes.The twisted ropes are then shaped into baskets by weaving them over wooden frames. The twisted Kok strands create baskets with added strength and durability.The weaving technique used is similar to what is known in Japan as “shippō-ami” or macramé. This type of weave stretches slightly when items are placed inside.The rim is secured by weaving in the same twisted cords used to make the body.This is where the handle meets the rim. The handle is created by wrapping around the braided rim cord.The handle is finished by braiding several cords together.At the top, the two sides are joined and then tightly wrapped with Kok cord.Though it has no base panel, the weave stretches slightly, allowing it to hold round objects like balls.It also works well as a basket bag. Because the weave is relatively open, using a drawstring pouch or a simple cloth bag inside may be a good option.
Shown here with a handkerchief lining the inside, holding a small wallet and phone.
The handle is joined at the top where the two core cords meet, and then wrapped tightly with Kok. Please take care not to pull the handles apart forcefully or apply excessive weight to just one side, as this may damage the structure.
That said, Kok is a strong and resilient material with gentle flexibility, so we believe it will support your belongings well.
For storage, we recommend keeping it in a well-ventilated room where humidity does not accumulate—either placed on a higher shelf or hung. If you live in a two-story home, the second floor is better than the ground floor.
The texture is gentle to the touch, and it’s pleasantly light to carry. We hope you’ll enjoy using it on your everyday strolls or shopping trips.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai is a member of the sedge family that grows naturally in wetlands. It is believed to be a type of grass also known in Japan as “suge,” a name shared by thousands of species worldwide.
In Japan, suge is traditionally used to make hats, straw raincoats, and ropes. Similarly, Kok in Thailand can be twisted by hand to create strong cords for craftwork.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, though it is said that better-quality grass is obtained outside of the dry season (January to April).
Processing methods vary—some use thick stems that are split to different widths for weaving, others twist stems into ropes before weaving, peel them into thin sheets for wrapping, or shave them down. It is a material known for its flexibility in use. Basket bags are shaped using wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven entirely by hand without molds.
The pieces introduced here are made in “Isan,” a broad highland region at about 200 meters elevation in northeastern Thailand, known for its gentle undulating terrain.
Southern Isan – Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan – Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River, bordering Laos
