A Gaji bag () is a large, typically unfastened bag with parallel handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch. They are often used as reusable shopping bags. Gaji bags originated from the rural village of Jing Liao in the Houbi District of Tainan, Taiwan during the Japanese Colonial Period.
Initially woven by rice farmers seeking extra income, these bags were crafted from Cyperus malaccensis, a plant abundant in nearby marshes. Though grass weaving techniques are found around the world, TaiwanâÂÂs rushwork is quite unique. It makes use of Schoenoplectus triqueter grown in the area north of the DaâÂÂan and south of the Yuanli rivers. It is called âÂÂmat grassâ in Taiwanese, èÂÂè (cÃÂo xÃÂ) in Mandarin, and âÂÂtriangular club-rushâ in English (though botanically it is neither a rush nor a grass, but a sedge).
Taiwanese club-rushâÂÂs toughness, resistance to sun damage, breathability, unique scent, and beautiful coloration (with varying shades of green, yellow and brown after exposure to the sun), as well as the exquisite techniques of weavers here, made the islandâÂÂs rushwork products widely treasured. The colonial Japanese government established an industrial association to manage the export of rush hats.
During Taiwan's industrialisation in the 1960s, Gaji bags transitioned from plant to machine-sewn nylon mesh, offering higher durability and affordability. Thus, Gaji bags became popular Taiwanese household items due to their practicality, used by mothers for grocery shopping and farmers for harvests. However, they faced a decline in the 1980s among younger consumers seeking more fashionable alternatives.
The resurgence of Gaji bags began in the early-mid 2000s, after the documentary film Let It Be released in 2004 highlighted the resilience of Jing Liao farmers, while a famous singer adopting the Gaji bag as a logo further boosted its popularity.
Today, Gaji bags have evolved beyond traditional handbags, with designers incorporating the nylon mesh into various products. Available in a range of colours and styles, they appeal to both older generations, valuing heritage, and younger generations appreciating retro-chic aesthetics as well as foreign travellers to Taiwan. Locals also often jokingly call them the âÂÂTaiwan LVâ bag (like Louis Vuitton but much cheaper).