Maru Hat - Misty Gray-Purple - Cattail Grass

**|| Maru Hat - Misty Gray-Purple ||** "Maru" refers to something small and rounded. Short brim Lightweight and breathable Just the right amount of small and cute Paired with a misty gray-purple hatband Calm and elegant like a morning mist Effortlessly transitions between casual and refined for everyday wear, finding the most charming balance. | Material Hat: Taiwan Cattail Grass Decorative Band: Locally made (Taiwan) washed cotton-linen | Details Head Circumference: 55-57 cm, adjustable with Velcro inside Brim Length: 5 cm ±1cm ⊹ Crafted from Taiwan's unique indigenous plant, cattail grass, for weaving. The grass emits a natural, distinct aroma, reminiscent of forest phytoncides, offering comfort and tranquility. ⊹ Tightly woven cattail grass for a firm and shapely finish. ⊹ Naturally derived grass, hand-woven. Each piece is handcrafted by local artisans in Taiwan. ⊹ The hat's circumference can be adjusted internally using Velcro. For other needs or more information, feel free to message the designer. Visit the Xiquan Studio for a trial fitting. **No. 258, Wuhua 3rd Rd, West Dist., Taichung City** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754786080_9998b57ab9_b.jpg || The hat circumference can be adjusted by opening the black sweatband inside the hat and using the Velcro closure. || || The sweatband material used is less prone to staining. Cleaning can be done with a damp cloth for light-colored fabrics. || ▶︎ Every hat is unique. Its simple, handcrafted feel is its beauty, and the result of our care and dedication. It has accompanied us through many moments, and will accompany you through the years to come. ▶︎ Each blade of grass has its own unique color and varying thickness, just like us, each one is one of a kind. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575609502_de06cfb324_b.jpg **|| A Legacy of Cattail Grass Fragrance, Three Generations of Weaving ||** "Xiquan" is a natural grass handicraft weaving shop from Dajia, Taichung. In 1947, Grandpa Guo Xiquan founded the business with woven products made from Taiwan cattail grass. During the third generation's time living in New Zealand, they interacted with the Māori people and local residents, experiencing their pride in their culture and their expressive conversations. This spirit was captivating, inspiring new perspectives on life and prompting reflection on their connection to their homeland 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 location in Shenxin Village, Taichung, continuing his passion for weaving. At Xiquan, there's the third generation who loves weaving, their mother, and the indispensable grandmothers and aunts who deeply love weaving. Together, they carry on traditional culture and develop innovative designs. Xiquan's third generation weaves the rich culture of their homeland, continuing authentic craftsmanship. The tactile quality of natural materials is a gift from nature and an expression of affection for home. With the intention of creating items for their own family's use, they craft everyday objects through traditional techniques. wwwwwwww https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095081931_63202c460f_b.jpg **|| Taiwan Cattail Grass (Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla) ||** | Nicknames Mat grass, Dajia cattail | Place of Origin Central Taiwan - Lower Daan River, Dajia District of Taichung and the 苑裡 (Yuanli) area of Miaoli | Characteristics Breathable and heat-dissipating Moisture-wicking And... a unique natural grass fragrance! Originating from the unique flora of central Taiwan, Taiwan cattail grass possesses a captivating natural fragrance. Historically, cattail grass was primarily used for weaving mats, hence its nickname "mat grass." It is highly absorbent, breathable, and smooth against the skin, offering a cooling sensation upon touch. With continued use, it develops a beautiful sheen over time, making it a natural fiber rich in lived-in character. Taiwan boasts nearly three hundred years of cattail grass weaving culture. Each item is meticulously handcrafted by local grandmothers and aunts, embodying the full spirit of Taiwan. **|| Cattail Grass Weaving Process ||** Growth | 3-4 months of growth Drying | After harvesting, sun-dried for approximately 2-4 months until completely dry Sorting | Grass is sorted by length, and some tips are removed Selection | Grass is chosen for uniform thickness before weaving Trimming | Unsprouted leaf bases are removed from the grass heads Tenderizing | The grass's structure is broken down to make it soft and pliable for weaving For finer items, two additional steps are performed: "Splitting" (dividing the triangular cattail grass into two to three thinner strands) and "Kneading" (rubbing to remove the white fibers from within the grass). **|| A Little Story About Taiwan Cattail Grass ||** Grandmothers and mothers used to talk about how people would cultivate grass. They loved the "black-gold" appearance of cattail grass, which typically developed its color changes over time with use. However, some people wanted to speed up the transformation to "black-gold" by wiping it with tea water to deepen the grass's color. **For more information, please contact us.**