Make tidying up part of your interior with MENTARI, a generous hand-woven basket made from natural water hyacinth. The warm nuances in the fibres and the calm, understated shape give the basket a natural look that effortlessly fits into a boho, rustic, or modern interior.

MENTARI offers ample space for laundry, blankets, toys, or other items you want to keep neatly out of sight. Thanks to the sturdy integrated handles, you can easily move the basket from the bedroom to the bathroom or living room.

The basket is available in L and XL. The different sizes can be nested when not in use.

Naturally strong and practical

After drying, water hyacinth forms a strong and durable plant fibre. The thick strands give MENTARI its robust structure, while the natural weave retains a warm and distinctive look.

The integrated handles are directly incorporated into the weave, making the basket practical for daily use.

Each MENTARI is entirely handmade. Small differences in colour, shape, and dimensions are therefore possible and are part of the material's natural character.

From aquatic plant to hand-woven basket

Water hyacinth is a tropical aquatic plant that grows on lakes and rivers. Although the plant originated in South America, it has also spread widely across Southeast Asia.

In Indonesia, water hyacinth is considered an invasive plant. Its rapid growth can create dense layers on the water's surface, reducing light and oxygen in the water. Therefore, the plants are regularly removed from the water.

After harvesting, the leaves are cut off, and the sturdy stems are dried in the sun for approximately three to seven days.

This creates a strong natural fibre that can then be used to make baskets and other hand-woven home accessories. This way, an abundant plant gains a new function as a raw material.

Two to three hours of handcraft

MENTARI is made in Central Java, Indonesia.

Experienced artisans carefully weave the dried water hyacinth around a specially crafted wooden frame. This frame determines the precise shape and dimensions of the basket during weaving.

Using long needles and sturdy cords, the different fibre parts are accurately connected.

According to Soeji, making one MENTARI basket takes an average of two to three hours.

Artisanally and responsibly produced

Soeji states that it collaborates with small-scale family businesses of approximately 20 to 30 employees.

When selecting production partners, attention is paid to fair pay, safe working conditions, and reasonable working hours. The baskets are made by adult and experienced artisans.

Older skilled workers who can no longer work in agriculture can also continue to use their knowledge and traditional handicraft techniques in this way and pass them on to the next generation.

Because almost all steps of the production process are carried out by hand, relatively little machine production is required.

Dimensions

L
Length: approx. 49 cm
Width: approx. 40 cm
Height: approx. 29 cm
Weight: approx. 2.53 kg

XL
Length: approx. 65 cm
Width: approx. 48 cm
Height: approx. 34 cm
Weight: approx. 4.54 kg

The height is measured without the handles.

Due to the handmade production process and the natural properties of water hyacinth, colour, shape, and dimensions may vary slightly. This makes each basket unique.

Product details

Brand: Soeji
Origin: Java, Indonesia
Main material: water hyacinth
Colour: natural beige / brown
Production: entirely handmade
Packaging: plastic-free

Shipping

This item is shipped directly to you from our supplier's warehouse in Germany.

The expected delivery time within the EU is 2–5 business days. The packaging is plastic-free.

If you also order items that are shipped directly from Mireloé at the same time? Then your order may be delivered in multiple packages and at different times.