The "Maru" Hat: Decorated with Natural Raffia Cord - Rush

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55387106384_efdab26338_b.jpg **|| The "Maru" Hat: Decorated with Natural Raffia Cord ||** "Maru" refers to something small and round. Short brim Lightweight and breathable Charming and petite Adorned with a hand-twisted cord of natural raffia Perfect for those who love minimalist style. | Material Hat: Taiwan-native rush (also known as sedge or Dajia rush) from central Taiwan Decoration: Hand-twisted cord of natural raffia | Details Hat Circumference: 55-57 cm, adjustable with internal velcro Brim Length: 5 cm ±1cm | Packaging Shipped in a carton to ensure safe delivery of your straw hat. ⊹ Crafted from Taiwan's unique central plant, rush, this material emits a distinctive natural fragrance, reminiscent of the refreshing forest air, bringing comfort and tranquility. ⊹ The dense rush weave creates a firm and shapely finish. ⊹ Each piece is a testament to pure, handmade craftsmanship by local Taiwanese artisans. ⊹ The hat's circumference can be adjusted internally using velcro. ⊹ If your head circumference is not 55, 56, or 57 cm, please inquire about available sizes. For any special requests or further information, feel free to message the designer or schedule a visit to try on the hat at the Si Cyuan shop in the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. **No. 258, Wuquan 3rd St., West Dist., Taichung City. Open 1-6 pm, closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.** https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55387126329_bd5f22f367_b.jpg || Rush weaving varies in thickness; finer weaves require more time and advanced skill. || https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52754786080_9998b57ab9_b.jpg || The hat's circumference can be adjusted by unfolding the black sweatband inside the hat and using the velcro closure. || || The sweatband material is chosen for its resistance to stains and can be cleaned with a lightly dampened light-colored cloth. || ▶︎ Each hat is unique. Its simple, handcrafted feel is its beauty, a result of our dedication and life infused into its creation. It has accompanied us through many moments, and will continue to accompany you through the years. ▶︎ Every strand of grass is unique in color and thickness, just like us— each one is one-of-a-kind. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575609502_de06cfb324_b.jpg **|| A Legacy of Three Generations of Rush Fragrance, Three Generations of Weaving ||** "Si Cyuan" is a natural rush handicraft weaving shop from Dajia, Taichung. It was founded in 1947 by my grandfather, Guo Xiquan, specializing in products woven from Taiwanese rush. During my third-generation residency in New Zealand, I connected with the Māori people and local residents, deeply moved by their pride and passion for their culture. This inspired a different perspective on life, prompting reflection on my connection to my homeland and Taiwan. Upon returning to Taiwan, I rejoined the family business and began learning the art of weaving. In 2019, I named the shop after my grandfather, "Si Cyuan," and opened it in Shenghsin Village, Taichung, carrying forward his passion for weaving. At Si Cyuan, we have the third generation who loves weaving, her mother, and importantly, a group of grandmothers and aunts who deeply cherish weaving. Together, we preserve traditional culture and develop innovative designs. The third generation of Si Cyuan weaves the rich culture of our homeland, continuing authentic craftsmanship. The simple, handcrafted feel is a gift from nature, imbued with affection for our home. With the intention of creating items for our own family's use, we craft everyday objects through traditional artistry. wwwwwwww https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095081931_63202c460f_b.jpg **|| Taiwanese Rush (Schoenlectus triqueter (L.) Palla) ||** | Nicknames Sedge, Dajia Rush | Origin Central Taiwan – lower reaches of the Da'an River, around Dajia (Taichung) and Yuanli (Miaoli) | Characteristics Breathable and heat-dissipating Moisture-wicking And, a unique natural grassy fragrance~ Taiwanese rush, a plant native to central Taiwan, possesses a captivating natural grassy aroma. Historically, rush was primarily used for weaving sleeping mats, hence its nickname "sedge." It is highly absorbent, breathable, and gentle on the skin. Touching it imparts a cool sensation, and with continued use, it develops a beautiful sheen over time, embodying a natural fiber rich in life. Taiwan boasts nearly three hundred years of rush weaving culture. Each item is meticulously hand-woven by local grandmothers and aunts, carrying the vibrant spirit of Taiwan. **|| The Rush Weaving Process ||** Growth | 3-4 months Drying | After harvest, sun-dried for approximately 2-4 months until completely dry Sorting | Grasses are sorted by length, and a portion of the tips are removed Selection | Grasses are chosen for uniform thickness before weaving Trimming | Unwanted leaf sheaths from the grass heads are removed Beating | The structure of the grass is softened by beating, making it pliable for weaving For finer items, two additional steps are involved: "Splitting" (dividing the triangular rush strands into two or three thinner strands) and "Kneading" (rubbing the strands to remove the white fibers inside). **|| A Little Story About Taiwanese Rush ||** Grandmothers and mothers used to tell us that people would "raise" their rush. They loved the deep, dark, "black gold" color that rush could develop. This color change typically occurred naturally with prolonged use. However, some people wanted to accelerate this transformation and would specifically wipe the rush with tea water to deepen its color. **To learn more, please contact us.**