Round Hat - Fog Grey Purple - Water Hyacinth

**|| Round Hat - Fog Grey Purple ||** "Round" refers to objects that are small and circular. Short brim design Suitable for daily life Paired with a fog grey-purple hatband A touch of understated luxury | Material Hat: Taiwanese Water Hyacinth Decorative Band: Locally Made Washed Cotton Linen | Details Hat Circumference: 56-58 cm, adjustable with internal Velcro Brim: 5 cm ±1cm ⊹ Selected as the weaving material is water hyacinth, a plant unique to central Taiwan. The water hyacinth emits a natural, distinctive fragrance, reminiscent of the forest's phytoncides, offering comfort and tranquility. ⊹ Sturdy water hyacinth, maintaining a firm and stylish shape. ⊹ Purely hand-woven from natural straw, each piece is crafted by local Taiwanese artisans. ⊹ The hat circumference can be adjusted internally with Velcro. For any other needs or to learn more, feel free to message the designer or schedule a visit to the Si Cyuan studio for a fitting. **West District, Taichung City** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754786080_9998b57ab9_b.jpg || The hat circumference can be adjusted using the Velcro located inside the hatband, beneath the black sweatband. || || The chosen sweatband material is resistant to stains and can be cleaned by gently wiping with a light-colored damp cloth. || ▶︎ Each hat is unique. Its simple, handmade feel is its beauty, and the result of our dedication and life. It has accompanied us through many moments, and will continue to accompany you through the years. ▶︎ Every strand of grass has its unique color and varying thickness, just like us, each one is one of a kind. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575609502_de06cfb324_b.jpg **|| Three Generations of Fragrant Grass, Three Generations of Weaving ||** "Si Cyuan" is a natural straw hand-weaving shop in Dajia, Taichung. It was founded in 1947 by Grandpa Guo Xi Quan, specializing in products woven from Taiwanese water hyacinth. While living in New Zealand, the third generation, interacting with the Māori people and local residents, felt their pride in their culture and their passionate conversations. This spirit captivated them, inspiring a different understanding of life and prompting reflection on their connection to their hometown and Taiwan. Shortly after returning to Taiwan, they returned to help with the family business and began learning to weave. In 2019, they named the shop after their grandfather and opened a store in Shenxin Village, Taichung, continuing his passion for weaving. At Si Cyuan, you'll find the third generation who loves weaving and her mother, and importantly, a group of grandmothers and aunts who deeply love weaving, all working together to pass down traditional culture and develop innovative designs. Si Cyuan's third generation weaves the rich culture of their homeland, continuing authentic craftsmanship. The natural texture of the handmade feel is a gift from nature, as well as an expression of affection for home. With the intention of creating items for their own family's use, they produce everyday objects through traditional crafts. wwwwwwww https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095081931_63202c460f_b.jpg **|| Taiwanese Water Hyacinth (Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla) ||** | Nicknames Mat Grass, Dajia Reed | Place of Origin Central Taiwan - Lower reaches of the Daan River, Dajia in Taichung, and Yuanli in Miaoli | Characteristics Breathable and cooling Moisture-wicking And also, a unique natural grassy fragrance~ Originating from a plant unique to central Taiwan, Taiwanese water hyacinth possesses a captivating natural grassy aroma. In the past, water hyacinth was primarily used for weaving straw mats, hence its nickname "Mat Grass." It is highly absorbent, breathable, and smooth against the skin. Touching it imparts a cool sensation, and with continued use over time, it develops a beautiful sheen, embodying the essence of natural fibers in everyday life. Taiwan boasts nearly three hundred years of water hyacinth weaving culture. Each item is meticulously hand-woven by local grandmothers and aunts, carrying the full spirit of Taiwan. **|| Water Hyacinth Weaving Process ||** Growth | 3-4 months of growth Drying | After harvesting, sun-dried for approximately 2-4 months until completely dry Straw Sorting | Straw sorted by length, with some tips removed Straw Selection | Uniform thickness selected before weaving Root Removal | Leaves from the undeveloped root ends are removed Straw Beating | The structure of the straw is broken down to make it soft and pliable for weaving For more intricate items, two additional steps are involved: "Straw Splitting" (dividing the triangular water hyacinth into two to three finer strands) and "Straw Kneading" (rubbing to remove the white fibers from within the straw). **|| A Little Story About Taiwanese Water Hyacinth ||** Grandmothers and mothers used to say that people would cultivate grass. They particularly liked the dark, lustrous color of water hyacinth. This color typically developed over time with use. However, some people wanted to accelerate this transformation to a dark, lustrous hue. They would specifically wipe the grass with tea water to deepen its color. **For more information, please contact us.**