Maru Hat - Little Sun - Rush

**|| Maru Hat with Coffee Ribbon ||** "Maru" signifies something small and round. Short brim Lightweight and breathable Charming and petite Paired with a yellow ribbon To brighten your every day. | Material Hat: Taiwanese Rush Decorative Band: Locally Made Washed Cotton Linen | Details Head Circumference: 56-58 cm, adjustable with internal Velcro Brim: 5 cm ±1cm ⊹ Utilizing rush, a unique plant from central Taiwan, as the weaving material. The rush emits a distinct natural fragrance, reminiscent of the calming scent of forest air, offering comfort and tranquility. ⊹ The dense rush provides a firm and stylish structure. ⊹ Each piece is meticulously handwoven from natural rush by local Taiwanese artisans. ⊹ The hat's circumference can be adjusted internally using Velcro. For any other needs or to learn more, feel free to message the designer or schedule a visit to our studio for a fitting. **1F, No. 12, Alley 4, Lane 368, Minsheng Rd., West Dist., Taichung City (Shen Ji New Village), 1-6 PM, Closed Wednesdays.** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754786080_9998b57ab9_b.jpg || The hat's circumference can be adjusted by opening the black sweatband inside the hat and using the Velcro closure. || || The chosen sweatband material is resistant to stains and can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth for light colors. || ▶︎ Each hat is unique. Its beauty lies in its simple, handcrafted feel, a result of our care and dedication. It has accompanied us through many moments, and will continue to accompany you through the years. ▶︎ Every strand of rush has its own unique color and thickness, just like us. Each one is one of a kind. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575609502_de06cfb324_b.jpg **|| Three Generations of Rush Fragrance, Three Generations of Weaving ||** "Xiquan" is a third-generation, handcrafted rush weaving shop from Dajia, Taichung. Founded in 1947 by Grandpa Guo Xiquan as a hat and mat business using Taiwanese rush. Today, the third generation has joined, not only inheriting the craft but also naming the shop after their grandfather to carry on his passion for weaving. At Xiquan's, you'll find the third-generation weaver and her mother, along with a group of grandmothers and aunts who deeply love weaving. Together, they pass down traditional culture and develop innovative designs. Xiquan's third generation weaves the rich culture of their hometown, integrating authentic craftsmanship into everyday life. The simple, handcrafted touch originates from the natural textures gifted by nature and represents a deep affection for home. wwwwwwww https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095081931_63202c460f_b.jpg **|| Taiwanese Rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla) ||** | Nicknames Rush, Dajia Rush | Origin Central Taiwan - Lower reaches of the Daan River, Dajia in Taichung and Yuanli in Miaoli. | Characteristics Breathable and cooling Moisture-wicking And, of course, a unique natural rush aroma! Hailing from central Taiwan, this unique plant, Taiwanese rush, possesses a captivating natural fragrance. Historically, rush was primarily used for weaving mats, hence its nickname "mat rush." It is highly absorbent, breathable, and smooth against the skin, offering a cool sensation upon touch. With continued use, it develops a beautiful sheen over time, making it a natural fiber rich in life. Taiwan boasts nearly three hundred years of rush weaving culture. Each item is meticulously handcrafted by local grandmothers and aunts, imbued with the spirit of Taiwan. **|| Rush Weaving Process ||** Growth | 3-4 months of growth Drying | Approximately 2-4 months of sun-drying after harvest to completely remove moisture Sorting | Categorizing by length and removing some of the rush tips Selection | Choosing straws of uniform thickness before weaving Trimming | Removing undeveloped leaves from the rush heads Beating | Breaking down the rush structure to make it soft and pliable for weaving For finer items, two additional steps are involved: "Splitting" (dividing the triangular rush into two to three finer strands) and "Kneading" (rubbing to remove the white fibers within the rush). **|| A Little Story About Taiwanese Rush ||** Grandmothers and mothers used to say that people in the past would cultivate rush. They loved the "black gold" color of rush, which typically developed over time with use. However, some people wanted to accelerate this transformation to "black gold" and would specifically wipe the rush with tea water to deepen its color. **For more information, please contact us.**