The pinnacle of handwork: elegant woven bags made in Italy

The basket bags of CANDRIA TOMMASO give an impression that is both refined and handsome. The weave is perfectly even, and the combination of leather accents with handles made from contrasting materials lends them an air of quiet sophistication. These basket bags, handmade in Italy, are filled with techniques unique to their region and a genuine passion for craftsmanship.

Using techniques rooted in the local region

CANDRIA TOMMASO was founded in 1974 in the town of Moliano, in the Marche region of Italy, as a maker of rattan furniture. From 1990 onward, the company expanded into producing woven bags and small leather goods. Thanks to its original designs, meticulous finishing and durability, and a beauty achievable only through handwork, it was recognized in 2012 by the Marche region as a "master of artistic leather goods."

Moliano is a small town of about 4,800 people, close to the Adriatic Sea. It lies in a region rich with medieval hilltop towns, and beneath its fortress-like townscape spreads hilly countryside where olive cultivation thrives. Moliano is known, both within Italy and abroad, as a town of craftsmen skilled in rattan weaving. This is because woven baskets have long been part of daily life here, a tradition rooted deeply in age-old weaving techniques. Beyond rattan weaving, the area is also home to other traditional crafts such as leatherwork and hatmaking, with artisans of each specialty working together in a collaborative community of makers.

The CANDRIA TOMMASO workshop is family-run, and it is the family members themselves who actually weave the basket bags. While some tasks, such as making the molds for the bags or weaving the handles, are sometimes entrusted to outside craftsmen, production is basically kept within the same community, where quality is maintained by keeping everything within close reach and under watchful eyes. Among them are even craftsmen who specialize solely in polishing the rattan bags. Various materials such as rattan and bamboo are used, incorporating distinctive lines and curves unique to each. This approach draws inspiration from the region's long tradition of furniture-making using wooden molds, a technique that has been reflected in bag-making as well. It is astonishing that both furniture and bags are made entirely by hand-weaving, but this is exactly the kind of know-how that thrives in a town famous for its rattan-weaving craftsmen.

How a beautiful basket bag comes to life

To weave a basket that is flawless and free of distortion, the wooden molds—the very lifeblood of the brand—are essential.

Each bag design has its own dedicated wooden mold, and rattan, reed, or leather is woven along this mold. This makes it possible to achieve beautifully clean curves, while ensuring that each finished piece is beautifully consistent. Weaving must be done with even, steady tension throughout, or else the shape will not come out properly, and even the softness of the bag when held will differ—a skill that only a seasoned craftsman can master. Everything is done entirely by hand, and it is said that only about four to five bags can be completed in a single day.

The bags currently featured on ZUTTO are made from two types of material: rattan and reed.

Rattan Handbag with Bamboo Handle

Rattan is a general term for a family of palm plants that grow wild in tropical rainforest regions. It grows upward by winding around other plants, producing very long fibers that make it well-suited for weaving. Rattan is light and easy to work with, yet it also carries a seemingly contradictory quality: strength. Because it resists losing its shape, it is a reassuring material even for bags carried daily and subjected to regular impact. A handbag made mainly from rattan like this has a presence that can completely transform an outfit the moment you pick it up. Paired with a casual outfit of jeans and a T-shirt, the bag stands out beautifully; paired with a neat blouse and heels, it lends the whole look an elegant, polished feel. It can be carried as a handbag by the bamboo handle, or worn over the shoulder or cross-body using the included shoulder strap.

The handle is made of bamboo. To bend bamboo, it is heated over fire, and the warmed section is gradually bent and then cooled to set its shape. Bending at the joints would cause cracking or distortion, so the technique requires bending only the sections between joints. The beautiful sheen, along with the deliberately slightly scorched areas, gives it a mature look that matches perfectly with the sophisticated rattan basket bag.

With ease of use in mind, the interior is lined with fabric and includes one small pocket handy for storing keys and the like. When the rattan bag is opened, the gusset panels open up wide just like the base, making it easy to take items in and out.

For those who want their bag to be a fashion statement, this eye-catching round design is also wonderful.

Rattan Circle Bag

This bag, too, is properly lined with interior fabric, and inside there is a zippered pocket as well as a small leather pocket. It also has protective studs on the base, so the basket portion never touches the ground directly and is less prone to damage—a thoughtful detail that lets you cherish and use the bag for a long time.

This one, on the other hand, is a bag made from reed. Unlike rattan, it has a matte finish, making it a more casual bag suited to spring and summer. Reed is a member of the grass family that grows in clusters along waterways; being hollow inside, it is easy to work with and has a supple, flexible quality.

Reed Handbag with Leather Handle

The dark brown leather gives the entire basket bag a polished, sophisticated look suited to an adult's taste. This one also has a fabric lining inside, and fabric is applied to both sides when the bag is opened, so there's no need to worry about the contents falling out. With its casual feel, it pairs nicely with denim or long linen skirts, making it an easy design to match with the everyday clothes you already own. 

For those who tend to carry a lot of things, this shoulder-bag type is recommended. It has enough height to fully accommodate a folding parasol as well.

Ashi (reed) shoulder bag

With a three-section structure that makes it easy to keep things organized, plus an open pocket handy for storing a smartphone, commuter pass, keys, and other small items, this bag shows real consideration for women who carry lots of little things. It also includes thoughtful details, such as two shoulder straps, to make it easy to carry over the shoulder. The bottom is also finished in leather, pairing beautifully with the natural ashi material—this ashi shoulder bag is a lovely combination of gentle, harmonious colors.

Care Tips for Long-Term Use

【 Don't use it every day 】

No matter what material a bag is made of, avoid using it day after day if you want to enjoy it for a long time. Use it for a day, then let it rest for a few days—rotating between bags is recommended. This applies especially to basket bags, since their seasonal feel makes them tempting to reach for again and again during spring and summer, so please be mindful of this.

【 Watch out for moisture 】

Whether made of rattan or reed, natural-material basket bags dislike moisture. After use, empty the contents and leave the bag in a well-ventilated spot for about half a day to release any trapped moisture.

【 A little extra step before putting it away 】

It's a good idea to get into the habit of gently wiping the surface with a soft cloth after each use. If you keep a brush and cloth by the entrance, you can give the bag a quick once-over as soon as you get home before bringing it inside—that would be the ideal routine. When not in use, stuff the inside with paper to guard against moisture and help the bag keep its shape. (Please avoid newspaper, as the ink may transfer onto the bag.)

【 Care at the end of the season 】

Of course, you're welcome to use it year-round, but many people put their basket bags away in a box during autumn and winter. Fine dirt and dust tend to collect in the weave of the basket, so use a brush to remove it. Gently brush along the weave using a scrub brush or a clothes brush.

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