Cane Boxes and Cane Storage: Sizes, Uses and Care Guide

A cane box is a handwoven lidded or open box made from cane (rattan), and the right size depends on what you want to store: small boxes of about 8 inches suit keepsakes and accessories, while a 14 x 7 x 5.5 in box holds tissues, jewellery or desk items. This guide lists the cane boxes and cane storage pieces GrassCrafts makes, with the sizes and prices as listed, how to use each and how to care for them.

What is a cane box, and what is it used for?

Cane is the peeled stem of the rattan palm, and it is used for baskets, furniture and boxes because it is firm, light and keeps its shape. A cane box is woven by hand, so the walls, corners and lid are shaped by the weaver rather than moulded. If you are new to the material, our article on cane and Indian wickerwork explains it, and our material comparison shows how cane differs from jute, water hyacinth and Sabai.

People use cane boxes for jewellery, tissues, stationery, remote controls, cosmetics, small gifts and desk accessories. Because the weave is open and breathable, they suit dry items better than anything damp.

Which cane box sizes does GrassCrafts list?

The sizes below are taken from our product listings. Handmade pieces can vary slightly, so check the product page before ordering.

• Handmade Cane Jewellery and Tissue Box: 14 in long, 7 in wide, 5.5 in high, ₹2,250.
• Artisan Rectangular Vault: 8 x 5 x 2.8 in with a lattice lid, ₹1,650.
• Artisan Keepsake Sphere: 8 in across and 2.5 in high, ₹1,450.
• Cane Cylindrical Multipurpose Box: a handmade cane box described for tissues and jewellery, ₹750.

You can browse all of them in the Cane Boxes collection.

Which box suits which use?

Jewellery and accessories

For a dressing table, the 14 x 7 in box has room for several pieces, while the Rectangular Vault suits watches, cufflinks or eyewear accessories. The Keepsake Sphere is a shallow organiser for small items. If you are a jeweller looking for packaging, read our guide to handwoven jewellery packaging.

Tissues and bathroom

The 14 x 7 in box is listed as a tissue box as well as a jewellery box, and the cylindrical box is described the same way. For a grass tissue-box cover, see The Woven Tissue Keeper.

Desk and stationery

A small cane box keeps pens, cards and cables tidy. For a compartment layout, the multi-compartment cane desk organizer tray (₹1,800) is made for the job.

What about larger cane storage?

If you need to store more than a box allows, look at cane baskets. The Handwoven Cane Storage Basket is ₹1,099, the Handwoven Cane Storage Basket with Handle is ₹1,599 and the Cane Storage Basket with Handle, 16 in is ₹2,380. The Cane collection lists the full range, and the Cane Organizers collection has laundry and storage baskets.

Cane boxes as gifts and in the home

A cane box makes a lasting gift because the recipient can keep using it. Fill a larger box with a few small items for a housewarming, or give an empty one as a tidy place for keepsakes. In the home, a matching pair on a shelf or dressing table looks neat, and a single box on a desk keeps small things in one spot. For hampers and corporate gifts, our bulk hamper baskets guide shows how woven pieces are chosen for gifting at scale.

Think about where the box will live before you buy. A cane box in a bedroom or office stays dry and holds its shape for years, while one left in a damp bathroom corner will struggle. Natural weave also darkens slightly with age and handling, which many people like.

How do you choose a cane box?

1. Decide what it will hold. Measure the items, not just the space.
2. Check inside space. The listed size is the outside size, and the weave takes up some room.
3. Lid or open? A lid keeps dust out, an open piece is quicker to use.
4. Location. Keep it somewhere dry and away from direct heat.
5. Quantity. One statement box or several matching ones for a set.

How do you care for a cane box?

These are general tips for natural cane. Wipe it with a dry or slightly damp cloth, never soak it, keep it away from prolonged moisture and direct heat, and air-dry it in shade if it gets wet. Dust it with a soft brush if dust collects in the weave. Store it in a dry place.

Who makes these boxes, and can I order in bulk?

Our cane pieces are handmade by artisans across several communities, with skills passed down generations and with the raw material from where it grows. Over 200 women artisans work with us. If you need many cane boxes for a shop, hotel or gifting project, share the product, quantity, date and city and we will send a quote. Visit the wholesale and corporate gifting page, write to sristi@grasscrafts.com or WhatsApp +91 62907 44782 for a bulk enquiry. Shipping on single orders is free from ₹1,299, no GST is charged and Cash on Delivery is available for an extra ₹100.

Frequently asked questions

What size is the biggest cane box you list?
The Handmade Cane Jewellery and Tissue Box is 14 x 7 x 5.5 in. For larger storage, see our cane storage baskets.

Can a cane box be used as a tissue box?
Yes, the 14 x 7 in box and the cylindrical box are both described as tissue and jewellery boxes.

Is cane the same as bamboo?
No. Cane is the stem of the rattan palm, while bamboo is a grass. They are different materials.

How do I clean a cane storage box?
Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth, avoid soaking, and air-dry in shade if it gets wet.

Can I order cane boxes in bulk?
Yes. Share the product, quantity, date and city for a quote through the wholesale page, sristi@grasscrafts.com or WhatsApp +91 62907 44782.

By Sristi Dey, founder, GrassCrafts.