This basket is woven from water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that grows naturally in gently flowing rivers and ponds.

We introduce a handled basket named the gondola basket, featuring a braided pattern, available in two sizes: S and L.

Even among water hyacinth products, the makers—and regions—vary depending on the type of item and the weaving technique, whether it be baskets, bags, small containers, or trivets.

Most makers are women in their 40s to 70s, and basketry is often carried out either by small community groups or at the family level.

While many work as full-time basket makers, some continue the craft alongside farming. During harvest seasons, those who farm may pause their basket making to focus on agricultural work.

As with Krajood craft, there are still relatively few younger makers, but in recent years,
the value of such natural material products has been rediscovered within Thailand,
and more young people are beginning to take an interest in these baskets.

Water hyacinth is a material that is particularly sensitive to humidity,
so as a final step in production, a matte varnish is applied over the entire basket.
This coating helps protect the surface and reduces the material’s tendency to absorb moisture.

When using the basket, it is best to place it in a well-ventilated indoor area where humidity does not build up.
Rather than placing it directly on the floor, it is recommended to keep it on a higher shelf. In a two-story home,
placing it on the second floor rather than the first is also advisable.

It is well suited for carrying frequently used stationery or work tools, or for keeping a full set of sewing supplies together.
In particular, many customers who purchase the L size in-store mention using it as a sewing basket.

It can also be used as a carrying basket between rooms—
for example, when moving to the bedroom with items such as a smartphone, glasses, a book you are reading, or hand cream.

It is also recommended as a shopping basket when going out to buy bread or fruit.

A handled basket with a charming braided pattern.
Simply gathering small, scattered items into this basket helps keep your space neat and organized.
You might also enjoy covering it with a handkerchief or scarf of your choice to keep out dust.
When cleaning, you can easily lift it by the handle, making it simple to move around and tidy up.

Finally, if you would like, please take a look at a short video showing the S size being used to store kitchen towels.

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Please choose the size you prefer.

About Water Hyacinth Craftwork in Thailand

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.

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.