Kauna Collection Story

A Verdant Life with Kauna

It is the skillful usage of this abundant local material that has brought ingenuity out of the local craftsmen to venture into making contemporary products besides the traditional phaks.

Kauna and Chumthang are some of the local reeds that thrives in the planes of Manipur. It is the skillful usage of this abundant local material that has brought ingenuity out of the local craftsmen to venture into making contemporary products besides the traditional phaks.

It is harvested twice a year; between April to mid June and then in September October. The preferred is a smaller size reed of around 4-8 mm diameter.

Kauna

It is a reed or rush belonging to the family Cyperaceae grown in the wild and also is cultivated in marshes and wetlands between January and February. These water reeds are quite suited to the wet conditions in Manipur. It is harvested twice a year; between April to mid June and then in September October. The preferred is a smaller size reed of around 4-8 mm diameter. It has a relatively thicker, tougher and less brittle skin with a fuller core, which provides cushioning, as well as noise and heat insulating properties.

Kauna is predominantly used by the Meitei community in Imphal. They are used for day to day usage at homes and also to welcome visiting guests to sit.

Tradition

Kauna crafts is more specific to the Imphal valley. It is predominantly used by the Meitei community in Imphal. They are used for day to day usage at homes and also to welcome visiting guests to sit. They are also used as long mats for community use during ceremonies and formal gatherings. They could range for 10 to 20 ft in length and can be rolled for storage. There are also very small mats for rituals.

Kauna Products

Over the years Kauna craft has diversified into many other product besides being used as a mats. Its started with a thicker version of the mat to about 3 inches that gave a bit more height for better cushioning, and square cushions for chairs for modern homes. Today Kauna craft has evolved into a thriving craft with a range of products, eg, baskets, bags, low seat, table mats, hats etc.

A Verdant Life with Kauna

Kauna

Tradition

Kauna Square Seater

Kauna Day Bed with back rest

Kauna Day Bed Basic

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