Maru Hat - Coffee - Rush

**|| Maru Hat with Coffee Ribbon ||** "Maru" signifies something small and round. Short brim Lightweight and breathable Chic and compact Complemented by a coffee-colored ribbon Perfect for those who favor warm-toned ensembles. | Material Hat: Taiwanese Rush (also known as sedge or Taichung Rush), native to central Taiwan Decorative Band: Taiwanese cotton fabric | Details Hat Circumference: 56-58 cm, adjustable with internal Velcro Brim Length: 5 cm ±1cm ⊹ Decorative bands are available in two styles: "Minimalist" and "Bow." ⊹ Utilizes Taiwanese rush, a unique plant from central Taiwan, known for its natural, distinctive aroma—akin to the refreshing scent of mountain forests, offering a sense of calm and comfort. ⊹ The robust rush weave creates a structured and stylish silhouette. ⊹ 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 inquiries, feel free to message the designer or schedule a visit to the Xiquan 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 unfolding the black sweatband inside the hat and securing it with Velcro. || || The sweatband material is chosen for its resistance to stains; simply wipe with a light-colored damp cloth for cleaning. || ▶︎ Each hat is unique. Its beauty lies in its simple, handcrafted feel—a testament to the care and life poured into its creation. It has accompanied us through many moments and will continue to be a cherished companion for years to come. ▶︎ Each blade of grass possesses its own unique color and thickness, much like us—each entirely one of a kind. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575609502_de06cfb324_b.jpg **|| A Legacy of Rush Fragrance, Three Generations of Weaving ||** "Xiquan" is a natural rush handicraft workshop based in Dajia, Taichung. It was founded in 1947 by Grandpa Guo Xiquan, specializing in woven products made from Taiwanese rush. During his time living in New Zealand, the third-generation successor connected with the Māori people and local residents, observing their pride in their culture and their passionate storytelling. This inspired a profound shift in perspective, prompting reflection on his own connection to his homeland and Taiwan. Shortly after returning to Taiwan, he joined the family business and began learning the art of weaving. In 2019, he named the workshop after his grandfather and opened a store in Taichung's Shenji New Village, carrying forward his passion for weaving. At Xiquan, you'll find the third-generation weaver and her mother, along with a dedicated group of grandmothers and aunts who share a deep love for weaving. Together, they preserve traditional culture and develop innovative designs. Xiquan's third generation weaves the rich culture of their homeland, continuing time-honored techniques. The natural feel of the materials is a gift from nature, imbued with a sense of home. With the intention of creating items for their own family's use, they craft everyday objects through traditional artistry. wwwwwwww https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52095081931_63202c460f_b.jpg **|| Taiwanese Rush (Schoenoplectus triqueter (L.) Palla) ||** | Nicknames Sedge, Dajia Rush | Origin Lower reaches of the Daan River in central Taiwan—the Dajia and Yuanli areas of Miaoli. | Characteristics Breathable and cooling Moisture-wicking And, of course, a unique natural grassy aroma~ A native plant of central Taiwan, Taiwanese rush boasts a captivating natural fragrance. Historically, rush was primarily used for weaving mats, hence its nickname "sedge." 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 that truly enhances daily life. Taiwan boasts nearly 300 years of rush weaving culture. Each item is meticulously handcrafted by local grandmothers and aunts, embodying the spirit of Taiwan. **|| The Rush Weaving Process ||** Growth: Approximately 3-4 months Drying: After harvest, sun-dried for about 2-4 months to remove all moisture Sorting: Segregated by length, with some grass tips removed Selection: Weavers select grasses of uniform thickness before weaving Trimming: Loose leaf sheaths are removed from the grass heads Beating: The structure of the grass is softened to facilitate weaving For more intricate 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). **|| A Little Story About Taiwanese Rush ||** Grandmothers and mothers used to tell stories about raising rush. They particularly favored the dark, lustrous "black-gold" color that rush developed over time. Some individuals would hasten this transformation by wiping the rush with tea water, deepening its color. **For further inquiries, please contact us.**