Soeji
Extra-large laundry basket 'Mentari', storage basket made of natural water hyacinth (2 sizes)
Extra-large laundry basket 'Mentari', storage basket made of natural water hyacinth (2 sizes)
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Tidy up in style with our extra-large Mentari laundry basket.
Handwoven from durable water hyacinth, the natural fibers with their beautifully warm tones create a cozy, inviting atmosphere, while the spacious interior offers plenty of room for laundry, blankets, or toys. Thanks to its clean, understated design, this basket is not only practical but also a statement piece that blends effortlessly into a wide range of interior styles.
Mentari comes in two stackable sizes, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your needs. Sturdy, integrated handles make it easy to move from room to room – whether it's the bathroom, bedroom, or living area. Made from durable, high-quality water hyacinth, the basket is built to withstand everyday use with ease.
Water hyacinth is considered an invasive species in Indonesia. Therefore, planting it helps restore the ecological balance. Each basket is carefully handcrafted on the island of Java under fair working conditions. The result? A durable, eco-friendly piece with a unique human touch – something no machine-made product can offer.
Dimensions & Weight:
L: 49x40x29 cm; 2.53 kg
XL: 65x48x34 cm; 4.54 kg
(Length x Width x Height without handles)
Our products are artfully crafted, unique pieces. Due to the handmade production process and natural variations in the materials, they may vary slightly in size, color, and shape.
The main sustainable material: water hyacinth
Water hyacinth is a tropical plant that thrives in lakes and rivers. Native to South America, it has spread throughout Southeast Asia, where it is considered an invasive weed. Its rapid growth forms dense mats on the water's surface, blocking light and reducing oxygen levels, thus threatening aquatic life. To mitigate this, the plants are regularly removed. After harvesting, the leaves are cut, and the sturdy stems are sun-dried for three to seven days. This process yields a highly sustainable and abundant raw material, perfectly suited for crafting our handcrafted woven products.
The production process: From raw material to finished basket
For our Mentari baskets, skilled artisans in our partner workshop in Central Java, Indonesia, meticulously weave water hyacinth around a custom-made wooden frame that defines the basket's precise shape and size. Using long needles and sturdy cords, they join the fibers with expert precision and care. Each basket takes approximately two to three hours to make—a true testament to traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Our production partners: Selected according to fair trade criteria
When selecting our local production partners, we prioritize fair wages, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours. We work exclusively with small, family-run businesses with a maximum of 20 to 30 employees. They are all experienced artisans of legal age. In particular, older people who can no longer work in agriculture benefit from jobs in handicrafts, allowing them to use the skills they learned in their youth to earn a living and pass on traditional production methods to the younger generation. They have often told us how happy they are to create something meaningful and earn a living through this work. Because all steps are carried out by hand, the production process generates virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. We ensure all of this through regular on-site visits and ongoing personal contact with the businesses.
Width: 40cm
Height: 29cm
Length: 49cm
