What kind of material is 'MENDONG GRASS' listed on the bag's materials?

When browsing RECTO's bags, you will come across this word in the material section. Mendong is the grass commonly called cyperus or sedge in Korean. Rather than a material spun into thread to make clothes, it is a material whose stems were dried to weave mats, reed floor coverings, and hwamunseok (patterned rush mats). A material that used to be used on room floors rather than in wardrobes has become the body of the bag.

Therefore, this bag is not made of just one material. The body is woven from mendong grass, cowhide is used for the handle that bears the weight, and a fabric of 66% cotton and 34% linen is used for the inner pouch^[2]. Since a woven body naturally has gaps between the grains, such bags generally include a thin cloth pouch so small items do not fall through.

Care instructions are also different from clothing. If washing is needed, only the contaminated area should be gently wiped with a soft cloth^[3]. Care is required as direct sunlight, humidity, and high temperatures can deform the leather or cause color transfer^[4]. Materials woven from plant stems generally swell when absorbing water and then warp in weave as they dry, mold and odors develop if moisture lingers for a long time, and the color fades and stems become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight. When storing, it is safer to keep it in a ventilated area and lightly fill the inside with cushioning material to maintain its shape.

hmmm, before being information that simply tells you the material, this material name is closer to a guide telling you in advance how to handle this bag.