The Nemagari bamboo craft of the Oguni area in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, varied from one hamlet to another. Some specialized in making sieves, while others focused on baskets.
The Nemagari bamboo harvested around Lake Oguni, where fields of Nikkōkisuge grow in abundance, is a type of dwarf bamboo that grows in cold, snowy mountains at high altitudes, and its diameter is about 0.20 to 0.31 inches.
Since the early Edo period, people have crafted this Nemagari bamboo using only a hatchet, making daily tools such as sieves and baskets for everyday life. Bamboo work in this region also served as an important source of income during winter, when farming could not be done.
This basket, made from Nemagari bamboo, features a distinctive boat-like form while being woven in a simple Mutsume-ami pattern. When viewed from the side, its shape resembles a boat, which is why baskets like this are often called “boat-shaped.”
The entire body is woven in the Mutsume-ami pattern using finely split Nemagari bamboo strips.Although the weave itself is simple, it has the deep, rustic texture unique to Nemagari bamboo.Viewed from the outside, the rim shows paired wrapping strips that pass through each opening of the weave.From above, you can see gentle curves that follow the natural flexibility of Nemagari bamboo.At the junction between the handle and the basket, the parts are fastened with Nemagari bamboo as well.The inside has a clean and simple finish.From the side, the handle can be seen to be made from a thick piece of Nemagari bamboo split in half. The section you hold is wrapped with thin strips of the same bamboo for a smoother grip.From above, the basket forms an oval shape typical of a boat form, and the handle extends all the way down to the base.The bottom is also woven in the same Mutsume-ami pattern.Because of its sloped sides and soft shoulders, it allows for easy access when placing or removing items, while keeping a pleasing balance in its silhouette.
With a handle attached, this basket can be used in many different ways. It also works well as a harvest basket for home gardening. Even if it gets muddy or dirty, you can simply wash it with water and a scrubbing brush, and it will soon become clean again—perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. When it becomes wet, please remember to dry it thoroughly in the shade in a well-ventilated place.
You can keep vegetables such as potatoes or onions around the kitchen, or use it as a fruit basket for apples, mandarins, or bananas— it will beautifully complement whatever you place inside.
A Nemagari bamboo basket that conveys the charm of the natural world— from its unpretentious presence, you will surely find a quiet, lasting pleasure in everyday life.
__Nemagari Bamboo Craft of Oguni, Fukushima__
Simple, rugged, and sturdy—these are the characteristics of Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni. Artisans do not overly standardize the width of the strips; they often use thicker pieces or employ half-split Nemagari bamboo as it is for the rim.
Rather than shaping the baskets freely according to personal preference, they work with the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, gently adjusting the form by hand.
The rustic, unrefined beauty and quiet depth that arise from this process are what make Oguni’s Nemagari bamboo craft truly distinctive.
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.
The Nemagari bamboo craft of the Oguni area in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, varied from one hamlet to another. Some specialized in making sieves, while others focused on baskets.
The Nemagari bamboo harvested around Lake Oguni, where fields of Nikkōkisuge grow in abundance, is a type of dwarf bamboo that grows in cold, snowy mountains at high altitudes, and its diameter is about 0.20 to 0.31 inches.
Since the early Edo period, people have crafted this Nemagari bamboo using only a hatchet, making daily tools such as sieves and baskets for everyday life. Bamboo work in this region also served as an important source of income during winter, when farming could not be done.
This basket, made from Nemagari bamboo, features a distinctive boat-like form while being woven in a simple Mutsume-ami pattern. When viewed from the side, its shape resembles a boat, which is why baskets like this are often called “boat-shaped.”
The entire body is woven in the Mutsume-ami pattern using finely split Nemagari bamboo strips.Although the weave itself is simple, it has the deep, rustic texture unique to Nemagari bamboo.Viewed from the outside, the rim shows paired wrapping strips that pass through each opening of the weave.From above, you can see gentle curves that follow the natural flexibility of Nemagari bamboo.At the junction between the handle and the basket, the parts are fastened with Nemagari bamboo as well.The inside has a clean and simple finish.From the side, the handle can be seen to be made from a thick piece of Nemagari bamboo split in half. The section you hold is wrapped with thin strips of the same bamboo for a smoother grip.From above, the basket forms an oval shape typical of a boat form, and the handle extends all the way down to the base.The bottom is also woven in the same Mutsume-ami pattern.Because of its sloped sides and soft shoulders, it allows for easy access when placing or removing items, while keeping a pleasing balance in its silhouette.
With a handle attached, this basket can be used in many different ways. It also works well as a harvest basket for home gardening. Even if it gets muddy or dirty, you can simply wash it with water and a scrubbing brush, and it will soon become clean again—perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. When it becomes wet, please remember to dry it thoroughly in the shade in a well-ventilated place.
You can keep vegetables such as potatoes or onions around the kitchen, or use it as a fruit basket for apples, mandarins, or bananas— it will beautifully complement whatever you place inside.
A Nemagari bamboo basket that conveys the charm of the natural world— from its unpretentious presence, you will surely find a quiet, lasting pleasure in everyday life.
__Nemagari Bamboo Craft of Oguni, Fukushima__
Simple, rugged, and sturdy—these are the characteristics of Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni. Artisans do not overly standardize the width of the strips; they often use thicker pieces or employ half-split Nemagari bamboo as it is for the rim.
Rather than shaping the baskets freely according to personal preference, they work with the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, gently adjusting the form by hand.
The rustic, unrefined beauty and quiet depth that arise from this process are what make Oguni’s Nemagari bamboo craft truly distinctive.
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.
The Nemagari bamboo craft of the Oguni area in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, varied from one hamlet to another. Some specialized in making sieves, while others focused on baskets.
The Nemagari bamboo harvested around Lake Oguni, where fields of Nikkōkisuge grow in abundance, is a type of dwarf bamboo that grows in cold, snowy mountains at high altitudes, and its diameter is about 0.20 to 0.31 inches.
Since the early Edo period, people have crafted this Nemagari bamboo using only a hatchet, making daily tools such as sieves and baskets for everyday life. Bamboo work in this region also served as an important source of income during winter, when farming could not be done.
This basket, made from Nemagari bamboo, features a distinctive boat-like form while being woven in a simple Mutsume-ami pattern. When viewed from the side, its shape resembles a boat, which is why baskets like this are often called “boat-shaped.”
The entire body is woven in the Mutsume-ami pattern using finely split Nemagari bamboo strips.Although the weave itself is simple, it has the deep, rustic texture unique to Nemagari bamboo.Viewed from the outside, the rim shows paired wrapping strips that pass through each opening of the weave.From above, you can see gentle curves that follow the natural flexibility of Nemagari bamboo.At the junction between the handle and the basket, the parts are fastened with Nemagari bamboo as well.The inside has a clean and simple finish.From the side, the handle can be seen to be made from a thick piece of Nemagari bamboo split in half. The section you hold is wrapped with thin strips of the same bamboo for a smoother grip.From above, the basket forms an oval shape typical of a boat form, and the handle extends all the way down to the base.The bottom is also woven in the same Mutsume-ami pattern.Because of its sloped sides and soft shoulders, it allows for easy access when placing or removing items, while keeping a pleasing balance in its silhouette.
With a handle attached, this basket can be used in many different ways. It also works well as a harvest basket for home gardening. Even if it gets muddy or dirty, you can simply wash it with water and a scrubbing brush, and it will soon become clean again—perfect for both outdoor and indoor use. When it becomes wet, please remember to dry it thoroughly in the shade in a well-ventilated place.
You can keep vegetables such as potatoes or onions around the kitchen, or use it as a fruit basket for apples, mandarins, or bananas— it will beautifully complement whatever you place inside.
A Nemagari bamboo basket that conveys the charm of the natural world— from its unpretentious presence, you will surely find a quiet, lasting pleasure in everyday life.
__Nemagari Bamboo Craft of Oguni, Fukushima__
Simple, rugged, and sturdy—these are the characteristics of Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni. Artisans do not overly standardize the width of the strips; they often use thicker pieces or employ half-split Nemagari bamboo as it is for the rim.
Rather than shaping the baskets freely according to personal preference, they work with the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, gently adjusting the form by hand.
The rustic, unrefined beauty and quiet depth that arise from this process are what make Oguni’s Nemagari bamboo craft truly distinctive.
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.
