Vietnamese Rush Wallets and Purses: Rustic Beauty from Natural Materials
Rush wallets and purses are a traditional Vietnamese handicraft, made from rush – a plant that grows abundantly in coastal areas. With their rustic, simple, and eco-friendly appeal, rush wallets and purses are increasingly popular not only domestically but also in the international market.
General Characteristics of Materials:
- Natural Rush: The main material is the rush plant, which after harvesting is dried, split, and treated to prevent mold and mildew. Rush is durable, flexible, lightweight, and breathable.
- Handwoven Craftsmanship: Rush wallets and purses are made entirely by hand, through the skillful hands of experienced artisans. Various weaving techniques create diverse patterns and designs.
- Combination with Other Materials: To enhance aesthetics and functionality, rush wallets and purses are often combined with other materials such as inner lining fabric, zippers, buttons, wooden beads, rush cords, etc.
Detailed Introduction of Each Wallet Type:
- Double-Zipper Rush Wallet:
- Features: This type of wallet has two separate compartments, each closed with a zipper. This design helps users organize money, documents, and personal belongings neatly and scientifically.
- Materials: Usually made from natural rush, combined with metal or plastic zippers. The inside may be lined with fabric for increased durability and protection of belongings.
- Advantages: Convenient, safe, easy to categorize belongings.
- Wooden Bead Rush Wallet:
- Features: The highlight of this type of wallet is the wooden beads attached or incorporated into the design, creating a natural, unique, and close-to-nature look. The wooden beads can be used as clasps, decorate the edges of the wallet, or form patterns on the wallet's surface.
- Materials: Natural rush combined with natural woods such as coconut wood, ebony, etc. These woods are meticulously crafted and polished to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
- Advantages: Unique, highly aesthetic, expresses personal style.
- Owl-Shaped Button-Clasp Wallet:
- Features: This type of wallet is shaped like an owl, with the owl's eyes formed by buttons or other decorative details. This cute and adorable design is often favored by young people.
- Materials: Mainly rush, combined with metal or plastic buttons, and other decorative materials such as fabric, colored thread, etc.
- Advantages: Unique, creative design, eye-catching.
General Advantages of Rush Wallets and Purses:
- Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials, biodegradable.
- Lightweight and Durable: Rush is flexible, lightweight, and easy to carry.
- Reasonable Price: Compared to leather or fabric wallets, rush wallets are more affordable.
- Rustic, Simple Style: Suitable for those who love a natural, close-to-nature style.
Usage and Care Instructions:
- Avoid contact with water: Rush can become moldy if exposed to water for a long time.
- Store in a dry, cool place.
- Clean with a damp cloth.
Vietnamese rush wallets and purses are not only personal items but also meaningful gifts, expressing support for traditional handicrafts and a green lifestyle.