Water reed is known to mankind for a long time now. Hailing from the Cyperaceae family, water reed is an aquatic plant that is cultivated extensively in the marshlands of north-east India, especially in Manipur, where it is known as kauna.
Water reed is one of the fastest-spreading plants in the world. Due to its geographical conditions, Manipur is rich in the production of these plants. It is harvested thrice a year — spring, summer, autumn and winter. The produce of summer season is known to have the longest shelf life with highest pliability.
Kauna reed has many natural properties and the ability to take any form and shape. It is water and frost-resistant. It is also a thermal and noise insulator, and acts as a water cleaner.
The stems of water reed plant are used in making the most innovative handicrafts known as kauna craft. The artisans of Manipur and Tripura are expert craftsmen with diligent abilities to hand-craft various kinds of home decor accessories, including the most durable and intriguing range of indoor as well as outdoor furniture.
Tables, chairs, towel rack, basketry, book shelf, bakers rack, bath rack and wine rack are some of the home decor accents derived from water reed. Additionally, kitchen accessories, bird cages, CD racks, flower vases and kitchen trolleys are also handcrafted using typical kauna craft skills for beautiful water reed artefacts. Water reed bags, fruit baskets and tableware make an intriguing collection as well.
Once the water reed is harvested, it is dried in the hot sun for hours together. The stems are fleshy and highly supple — making it porous on the outside with a sponge-like pith inside.
After they are dried to a certain temperature, they are carefully weaved using the special double-weaving technique that features several knots and joints — intertwined in such a way that they appear to be arranged in an amazing pattern with stylish looks and an attractive peculiarity. To add to the appearance, artefacts are coloured in natural dyes.
The artefacts derived from water reed are bio-degradable and non-toxic. No harmful chemicals or high-end mechanism is used in making these products. The material features air-conditioning properties.
A unique craft of Manipur is the double-weave reed mat. It is made by the local people for their own use as well as for commercial purposes. Reeds are carefully chosen for the mats. The plant is cut only when it has reached maturity. Once cut, the stems are dried and become soft, pithy and quite brittle. A bunch of cut stems of appropriate length are then woven with bamboo placed at suitable distances to give the mat its desired length.
The border has an interesting pattern and is about an inch wide. The kauna reed mats are not meant to be washed, for the reed cannot stand moisture.
Kauna craft is popular around the world and is exported to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, UAE, Switzerland and some Latin American countries.