Kawung Nava Bag

Kalok Nava Bag
A contemporary textile bag shaped by the rhythm of Kawung Balok.

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Description

The Kalok Nava is a handcrafted convertible bag by Toja House, designed to move effortlessly between three ways of carrying: pouch or clutch, handbag, and shoulder or sling bag.

Its compact, softly structured body is handcrafted in tapestry crochet, featuring the distinctive Kawung Balok motif. The pattern reinterprets the traditional Kawung geometry through a more linear, structured language, creating a graphic surface that feels distinctly contemporary while remaining rooted in Indonesian textile heritage.

Kalok Nava is designed to transform with the wearer. Its drawstring closure gathers the upper edge to create a compact pouch or clutch, while the integrated textile carrying system allows the same bag to become a handbag or to be worn over the shoulder and across the body as a sling bag.

The result is a compact bag with a strong architectural presence—graphic yet tactile, structured yet adaptable.

Rather than designing a separate bag for every occasion, Kalok Nava offers one considered form that can change according to the moment: carried close in the hand, held as a handbag, or worn hands-free when movement takes priority.

Each piece is individually handcrafted in Indonesia by women artisans, bringing together traditional textile craftsmanship and contemporary functional design.

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Design Inspiration

Kalok Nava draws its identity from Kawung Balok, a contemporary interpretation of the Kawung motif expressed through bold, geometric blocks and intersecting linear forms.

The Kawung is one of Indonesia's most recognisable traditional textile patterns, traditionally associated with balance, order, and the cyclical nature of life. In Kawung Balok, these rounded, organic qualities are translated into a more architectural geometry—giving the motif a sharper and more contemporary character.

This tension between heritage and modernity is central to Kalok Nava.

The pattern is not treated as an applied decoration, but becomes part of the architecture of the bag itself. The repeated geometry creates rhythm across the crocheted surface, while the compact proportions give the bag a clean, modern silhouette.

Its ability to transform between three carrying modes extends this idea of adaptability into function.

Pouch. Clutch. Handbag. Shoulder bag. Sling.

One object, multiple expressions.

Kalok Nava reflects Toja House's belief that Indonesian textile heritage can move beyond the traditional and become part of contemporary everyday life—not preserved as something distant, but carried forward through design.

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Craftsmanship

Every Kalok Nava is handcrafted in Indonesia using tapestry crochet and Kumihimo techniques, with careful attention to stitch tension, colour placement, proportion, and finishing.

The Kawung Balok motif is constructed stitch by stitch through tapestry crochet. The geometric arrangement requires precise colour changes and consistent tension to maintain the clarity and rhythm of the pattern across the curved body of the bag.

The drawstring closure is integrated into the textile construction, allowing the upper edge to gather naturally and giving the bag its characteristic transformation from a more structured handbag into a compact pouch or clutch.

Handcrafted textile cords and straps form part of the carrying system, allowing Kalok Nava to shift between different modes without relying on heavy hardware or compromising its clean visual language.

The result is a piece where pattern, structure, and function are developed together—each element contributing to the overall character of the bag.

Every piece requires hours of careful handwork, and subtle variations in stitch, tension, texture, and colour are natural characteristics of the handmade process.

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Materials

Exterior
Premium cotton textile

Closure
Handcrafted textile drawstring

Carrying System
Handcrafted textile and Kumihimo elements

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Carrying Options

Pouch / Clutch
Gather the drawstring closure and carry Kalok Nava by hand as a compact pouch or clutch.

Handbag
Use the integrated carrying system to carry Kalok Nava as a compact everyday handbag.

Shoulder Bag
Use the longer textile strap to wear Kalok Nava comfortably over the shoulder.

Sling Bag
Wear the longer strap across the body for a hands-free option.

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Dimensions

Width: 23 cm
Height: 16 cm
Base Depth: 8 cm

Please note: As each piece is handcrafted, measurements may vary slightly by approximately ±1 cm.

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Fits

Designed to comfortably carry everyday essentials, including:

Smartphone
Card holder or small wallet
Keys
Sunglasses
Lipstick and small cosmetics
Other small personal essentials

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Care

Kalok Nava can be gently hand washed.

For regular maintenance, spot cleaning is recommended to preserve the textile's colour, texture, pattern, and structure.

When washing, use cold or cool water and a mild, non-detergent soap. Gently hand wash without rubbing or wringing, then reshape the bag and allow it to air dry naturally away from direct sunlight.

Avoid machine washing, bleach, harsh detergents, and prolonged soaking.

Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.

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Handmade

Every Toja House piece is individually handcrafted in Indonesia. Slight variations in weave, texture, colour, pattern, and dimensions are natural characteristics of artisanal craftsmanship, making every Kalok Nava uniquely yours.

Crafted slowly. Designed architecturally. Made by hand in Indonesia.