This is a tote bag made from cattail, which grows wild in Poland.

The vegetation differs between Japan and Europe—in Japan, bamboo, akebi vine, wild grapevine, rush, and straw are commonly used, while in Europe, willow and rattan are the main materials for basketry.

In Japan, cattail basketry is now carried out only in Hiruzen, Okayama Prefecture.
It is rare to see the same material used in both regions as we find here with cattail.

As far as is known, cattail basketry can be found in Central and Eastern Europe—in countries such as Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia, and Romania.

The photo above (right) shows a cattail habitat in Poland.
The bags we introduce here are made from cattails harvested there.

Together with her family, the maker wades into the muddy ponds to cut each cattail by hand,
washing them clean before weaving begins.

Here is Ms. Helena, the maker of this cattail bag—
one of the few artisans in Poland who continue this craft.

Cattail, which grows by the water’s edge, bears sausage-like flower spikes.
The stems are thick and layered, and it is the inner part,
peeled from the outer layers, that is used for basketry.

After drying, the stems are cut to the proper length and woven onto a wooden mold.

In Okayama, Japan, cattail basketry is woven with a tool shaped like a spinning top, resulting in a uniform weave.
In contrast, Polish cattail basketry, though also using wooden molds,
allows the weaving to be manipulated freely by hand, creating a variety of patterns.

Because cattail contains natural oils, it has a glossy finish, with a silky, clean, milky-white color.

It is water-resistant, extremely light, and gentle to the touch and on clothing,
making it easy to use every day.

As it is a larger size, it is not only suitable for daily outings,
but also for shopping or as a companion for short trips.

The basket bag has a trapezoid shape that gently widens toward the top.
It will surely be useful in many settings—city walks, picnics, the beach, or train journeys.

Photo credit: Serfenta

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.