In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
This page introduces a smaller basket among the cattail crafts—the Flower Vase.
It features a hanging cord attached to the cylindrical basket, allowing it to be suspended.The sides of the basket are woven using simple tools, much like those used to weave bamboo blinds, resulting in a modest and natural design.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.The artisans themselves take care of every step—cultivating and harvesting the cattail, drying and preparing the materials—all done with great attention to detail.The rim is smoothly finished without any unevenness, beautifully interwoven with precision.Because cattail naturally contains oils, it gives off a subtle luster and sheen, adding to its quiet beauty.The hanging loop is made by twisting Himegama and Yamakage (linden bark fiber) together.This cord combines the sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage fiber has no noticeable smell.Inside the rim, the loop is securely fastened to both the rim and the first row of Yamakage cords, ensuring it can safely hold weight when hung on a wall.The bottom of the cylindrical basket is woven in a checkered pattern, and the detailed border weaving that connects the base to the sides shows fine craftsmanship.This design adds an aesthetic accent while also reinforcing the structure, allowing the basket to maintain its form and strength in daily use.Here is how it looks when held in hand.You can place a small vase or cup filled with water inside, and use it as a flower basket.The refreshing pale tone of the cattail pairs beautifully with flowers and branches.It’s perfect for displaying a few seasonal flowers for a simple touch of nature.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The basket stands on its own, so it can be placed directly on a table or by the entrance, or hung on a wall using its loop.
Beyond being a flower vase, it can also hold a water bottle or thermos. You can thread the loop through a bag handle or belt to carry it hands-free.
It also works beautifully as a pen holder or cutlery stand. It is a versatile piece for many occasions.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
This page introduces a smaller basket among the cattail crafts—the Flower Vase.
It features a hanging cord attached to the cylindrical basket, allowing it to be suspended.The sides of the basket are woven using simple tools, much like those used to weave bamboo blinds, resulting in a modest and natural design.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.The artisans themselves take care of every step—cultivating and harvesting the cattail, drying and preparing the materials—all done with great attention to detail.The rim is smoothly finished without any unevenness, beautifully interwoven with precision.Because cattail naturally contains oils, it gives off a subtle luster and sheen, adding to its quiet beauty.The hanging loop is made by twisting Himegama and Yamakage (linden bark fiber) together.This cord combines the sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage fiber has no noticeable smell.Inside the rim, the loop is securely fastened to both the rim and the first row of Yamakage cords, ensuring it can safely hold weight when hung on a wall.The bottom of the cylindrical basket is woven in a checkered pattern, and the detailed border weaving that connects the base to the sides shows fine craftsmanship.This design adds an aesthetic accent while also reinforcing the structure, allowing the basket to maintain its form and strength in daily use.Here is how it looks when held in hand.You can place a small vase or cup filled with water inside, and use it as a flower basket.The refreshing pale tone of the cattail pairs beautifully with flowers and branches.It’s perfect for displaying a few seasonal flowers for a simple touch of nature.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The basket stands on its own, so it can be placed directly on a table or by the entrance, or hung on a wall using its loop.
Beyond being a flower vase, it can also hold a water bottle or thermos. You can thread the loop through a bag handle or belt to carry it hands-free.
It also works beautifully as a pen holder or cutlery stand. It is a versatile piece for many occasions.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
In the Hiruzen region of Okayama Prefecture—nestled at the foot of the mountains separating Tottori and Okayama—gama craft has been passed down for over 600 years.
The plant used, known as “gama” in Japanese and written – 蒲 – in kanji, is deeply familiar to people in Japan. It grows widely across the country, from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Kyushu, and is even found in place names throughout the country.
Interestingly, it’s said that the Japanese words kamaboko (a steamed fish cake) and kabayaki (a style of grilled eel) were inspired by the shape of the cattail’s flower spike—thick and sausage-like, much like these foods.
In Hiruzen’s cattail craft, artisans use a specific variety called Himegama, and even today, they continue to make everyday tools from it.
Although Himegama naturally grows in wetlands, the artisans who create these baskets take care of cultivating the plants themselves.
This variety of cattail is lightweight and naturally contains oils, which give it excellent water resistance and moisture retention.
Originally, these baskets were designed as carrying packs for food supplies during travel or transport. In the past, they were even used to make items like snow shoes.
In addition to Himegama, another key material is the inner bark fiber of the Shinanoki tree (Japanese linden). Locally, this fiber is affectionately called “Yamakage.”
To prepare it, the bark is soaked in river water and fermented, then carefully peeled off in thin layers, following the grain of the tree rings.
“The smell of yamakage before it dries is really something!” the artisans say with a laugh— a moment that reflects just how joyfully and wholeheartedly they approach their work.
This page introduces a smaller basket among the cattail crafts—the Flower Vase.
It features a hanging cord attached to the cylindrical basket, allowing it to be suspended.The sides of the basket are woven using simple tools, much like those used to weave bamboo blinds, resulting in a modest and natural design.The weaving material comes from the inner part of the cattail stem, peeled down to about five layers to reach the core. These thick and springy strips are arranged vertically, creating a distinctive texture.The artisans themselves take care of every step—cultivating and harvesting the cattail, drying and preparing the materials—all done with great attention to detail.The rim is smoothly finished without any unevenness, beautifully interwoven with precision.Because cattail naturally contains oils, it gives off a subtle luster and sheen, adding to its quiet beauty.The hanging loop is made by twisting Himegama and Yamakage (linden bark fiber) together.This cord combines the sheen of Himegama with the strength of Yamakage. Once dried, the Yamakage fiber has no noticeable smell.Inside the rim, the loop is securely fastened to both the rim and the first row of Yamakage cords, ensuring it can safely hold weight when hung on a wall.The bottom of the cylindrical basket is woven in a checkered pattern, and the detailed border weaving that connects the base to the sides shows fine craftsmanship.This design adds an aesthetic accent while also reinforcing the structure, allowing the basket to maintain its form and strength in daily use.Here is how it looks when held in hand.You can place a small vase or cup filled with water inside, and use it as a flower basket.The refreshing pale tone of the cattail pairs beautifully with flowers and branches.It’s perfect for displaying a few seasonal flowers for a simple touch of nature.
“Strong and light” may be the essence of any good basket, and this cattail craft embodies those qualities beautifully, faithfully bringing out the natural characteristics of both Himegama and Yamakage.
The basket stands on its own, so it can be placed directly on a table or by the entrance, or hung on a wall using its loop.
Beyond being a flower vase, it can also hold a water bottle or thermos. You can thread the loop through a bag handle or belt to carry it hands-free.
It also works beautifully as a pen holder or cutlery stand. It is a versatile piece for many occasions.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
