This pot mat is woven from water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that grows naturally in calm rivers and ponds.
We introduce three sizes: S, M, and L.

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.

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, we recommend keeping it indoors in a well-ventilated area where moisture won’t build up.
Hanging it by the handle is also a good option.

A pot mat that comes in handy around the stove or on the dining table.
When cooking several pots at once, having a few of these mats can be very useful.

Hanging it up also makes it an attractive part of your decor.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.

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 throughout the year,
but we are told that healthier plants can be harvested outside the dry season, which runs from January to April.
The color of the plants (and the resulting color of the baskets) also varies depending on the region where they are harvested.

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.
Baskets and basket bags are woven using wooden molds, while pot mats and slippers are woven using only the maker’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.