Gaji bag

Gaji bag

Gaji bags (Chinese: 茄芷袋; pinyin: jīazhǐ dài; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: ka-chì-tē-á) are large, typically unfastened bags with parallel handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch, 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.[1]

Etymology

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The name "Gaji" comes from the Japanese term for bag weaving, かぎ針編み [ja] (kagibariami).[2]

History

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Gaji bag vendor at a night market in Tainan.

Initially woven by rice farmers seeking extra income, these bags were crafted from Cyperus malaccensis, a plant abundant in nearby marshes. 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.[3]

Resurgence

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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.[4]

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.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ 寶智華 (8 May 2024). "台灣LV包茄芷袋 外國觀光客搶買". China Times (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  2. ^ 楊惠琪 (28 December 2022). "「茄芷袋」華麗變身「農村LV包」 退休村民再造後壁村language=zh-tw". ETtoday. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  3. ^ "From Farmers's Essential to Fashion Statement". Fabula Formosa. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  4. ^ Bu (8 January 2020). "超復古!日本人眼中的台灣LV「茄芷袋」化身悠遊卡時髦新登場". Marie Claire (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  5. ^ 陳易志 (1 December 2009). "走出傳統 茄芷袋變時尚包". China Times (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  6. ^ 施郁韻 (8 May 2024). "「台灣LV包」茄芷袋紅到國外!觀光客來台指定搶買 嗨喊:就是這個包". SET News (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Retrieved 8 May 2024.
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