This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a flat, compact tote with an open weave that gives it a light, airy appearance.
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 basketry, there are not many weavers among the younger generation. Even so, the appeal of natural material products such as these is now being recognized again in Thailand, and we were told that more young people are beginning to choose 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 twisted cord forming the upper edge of the basket body serves as the core of the rim. Kok is then wrapped around it to create a sturdy finish.The handles pass through the rim and are similarly secured by wrapping Kok around them.The handles are braided from two Kok cords, so the bag can be carried securely over the shoulder.It can hold a wallet, keys, a mobile phone, a paperback book, a water bottle, and more. Worn over the shoulder, it can be carried snugly against the body.
Kok is a strong material with both flexibility and resilience, so we believe this bag will hold your belongings securely, whether used for outings or shopping.
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 its light weight makes it easy to carry—another reason to love it. It pairs beautifully with any outfit, whether a dress or a T-shirt and jeans. It would also be fun to think about pairing it with items such as a stole or hat.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai belongs to the sedge family and grows in wetlands. It is thought to be one of the plants known in Japan as “suge” (there are said to be thousands of species worldwide).
In Japan, suge is also used to make hats, rain capes, and ropes. Kok can likewise be twisted by hand to make strong cords.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, but we were told that the grass grows better outside the dry season, which runs from January to April.
Processing methods vary. The thicker parts of the stalks may be split into different widths for weaving, or the stalks may be twisted into cords before weaving, peeled into thin strips for wrapping, or shaved down. It is a material that is easy to work with. Baskets and basket bags are woven over wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven using only the weaver’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are made in the following two areas of northeastern Thailand, a region also known as Isan. This broad highland region lies at an elevation of about 200 meters and has gently undulating terrain.
Southern Isan: Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan: Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River and bordering Laos
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a flat, compact tote with an open weave that gives it a light, airy appearance.
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 basketry, there are not many weavers among the younger generation. Even so, the appeal of natural material products such as these is now being recognized again in Thailand, and we were told that more young people are beginning to choose 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 twisted cord forming the upper edge of the basket body serves as the core of the rim. Kok is then wrapped around it to create a sturdy finish.The handles pass through the rim and are similarly secured by wrapping Kok around them.The handles are braided from two Kok cords, so the bag can be carried securely over the shoulder.It can hold a wallet, keys, a mobile phone, a paperback book, a water bottle, and more. Worn over the shoulder, it can be carried snugly against the body.
Kok is a strong material with both flexibility and resilience, so we believe this bag will hold your belongings securely, whether used for outings or shopping.
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 its light weight makes it easy to carry—another reason to love it. It pairs beautifully with any outfit, whether a dress or a T-shirt and jeans. It would also be fun to think about pairing it with items such as a stole or hat.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai belongs to the sedge family and grows in wetlands. It is thought to be one of the plants known in Japan as “suge” (there are said to be thousands of species worldwide).
In Japan, suge is also used to make hats, rain capes, and ropes. Kok can likewise be twisted by hand to make strong cords.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, but we were told that the grass grows better outside the dry season, which runs from January to April.
Processing methods vary. The thicker parts of the stalks may be split into different widths for weaving, or the stalks may be twisted into cords before weaving, peeled into thin strips for wrapping, or shaved down. It is a material that is easy to work with. Baskets and basket bags are woven over wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven using only the weaver’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are made in the following two areas of northeastern Thailand, a region also known as Isan. This broad highland region lies at an elevation of about 200 meters and has gently undulating terrain.
Southern Isan: Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan: Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River and bordering Laos
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This basket is woven from Kok, a type of grass that grows naturally around marshy areas in Thailand. We introduce a flat, compact tote with an open weave that gives it a light, airy appearance.
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 basketry, there are not many weavers among the younger generation. Even so, the appeal of natural material products such as these is now being recognized again in Thailand, and we were told that more young people are beginning to choose 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 twisted cord forming the upper edge of the basket body serves as the core of the rim. Kok is then wrapped around it to create a sturdy finish.The handles pass through the rim and are similarly secured by wrapping Kok around them.The handles are braided from two Kok cords, so the bag can be carried securely over the shoulder.It can hold a wallet, keys, a mobile phone, a paperback book, a water bottle, and more. Worn over the shoulder, it can be carried snugly against the body.
Kok is a strong material with both flexibility and resilience, so we believe this bag will hold your belongings securely, whether used for outings or shopping.
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 its light weight makes it easy to carry—another reason to love it. It pairs beautifully with any outfit, whether a dress or a T-shirt and jeans. It would also be fun to think about pairing it with items such as a stole or hat.
About Kok Craft in Thailand
The grass known as “Kok” in Thai belongs to the sedge family and grows in wetlands. It is thought to be one of the plants known in Japan as “suge” (there are said to be thousands of species worldwide).
In Japan, suge is also used to make hats, rain capes, and ropes. Kok can likewise be twisted by hand to make strong cords.
Kok can be harvested year-round in Thailand, but we were told that the grass grows better outside the dry season, which runs from January to April.
Processing methods vary. The thicker parts of the stalks may be split into different widths for weaving, or the stalks may be twisted into cords before weaving, peeled into thin strips for wrapping, or shaved down. It is a material that is easy to work with. Baskets and basket bags are woven over wooden molds, while mats and similar items are woven using only the weaver’s sense of touch.
The pieces introduced here are made in the following two areas of northeastern Thailand, a region also known as Isan. This broad highland region lies at an elevation of about 200 meters and has gently undulating terrain.
Southern Isan: Buriram Province, which borders Cambodia
Northern Isan: Nakhon Phanom Province, along the Mekong River and bordering Laos
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
