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 handled basket was commissioned from an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for basket making.
Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni is characterized by its simplicity, ruggedness, and strength. Artisans do not make the strips too uniform in width; they often use thicker strips or even half-split pieces of Nemagari bamboo as they are.
Rather than shaping the basket freely according to their preference, they make use of the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, and then carefully adjust the shape by hand. Though the weave may not be perfectly even, the basket’s firm and solid structure is a defining feature.
The basket is made using thin strips split from Nemagari bamboo, and woven throughout in the Mutsume-ami pattern, whose openings form hexagonal shapes. The upper photo shows a “simple side” type,but we may also deliver one with “two vertical reinforcing strips” running along both sides of the basket.A single horizontal strip runs around the middle of the basket, adding further strength and stability.Here is the rim. It is tightly wrapped with half-split strips of bamboo.This technique is called Sendan-maki, in which the rim is wrapped almost without gaps. The wrapping uses the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which is valued for its flexibility and durability.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s preference, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped at wider intervals instead of the Sendan-maki technique.The handles are made from two pieces of Nemagari bamboo. They are bound together at the top with thin, tape-like strips of bamboo.Sometimes the handles are used whole without splitting, while in other cases, depending on the thickness of the bamboo, they are halved.Each handle is fixed to the basket at four points along the sides.Here is the joint where the handle meets the basket, viewed from the inside.On the underside of the basket, two reinforcing strips run vertically for added strength. They support the contents of the basket firmly.As the name “Nemagari” suggests, each piece of bamboo naturally has its own bends and curves. Because of this, the reinforcing strips at the bottom are not perfectly straight,and the basket may tilt slightly when placed on a flat surface. However, it remains stable and does not wobble. You may receive a basket of this kind, as each one is made in response to the natural shape of the material.Depending on the artisan, the bottom weave may differ from the standard hexagonal pattern and be made denser for added strength.In some cases, not only the bottom but also the sides are woven more tightly. Whichever the case, we will deliver the type available at the time of your order.It is a convenient size to carry for shopping.You can also place it in the corner of a room as a magazine rack.Or, by placing a glass vase inside, it can serve beautifully as a flower basket.The bright colors of flowers match well with the rustic texture of Nemagari bamboo.
Since Nemagari bamboo work from Oguni makes use of the natural bends of the material, a variation of about 1.2″ to 2.0″ in shape or size is common. We recommend allowing a little extra room when considering the dimensions.
It can be used as a harvest basket for home gardening, or as a storage basket indoors—it is practical in many ways.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy character will surely make it a reliable companion in your daily 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 handled basket was commissioned from an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for basket making.
Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni is characterized by its simplicity, ruggedness, and strength. Artisans do not make the strips too uniform in width; they often use thicker strips or even half-split pieces of Nemagari bamboo as they are.
Rather than shaping the basket freely according to their preference, they make use of the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, and then carefully adjust the shape by hand. Though the weave may not be perfectly even, the basket’s firm and solid structure is a defining feature.
The basket is made using thin strips split from Nemagari bamboo, and woven throughout in the Mutsume-ami pattern, whose openings form hexagonal shapes. The upper photo shows a “simple side” type,but we may also deliver one with “two vertical reinforcing strips” running along both sides of the basket.A single horizontal strip runs around the middle of the basket, adding further strength and stability.Here is the rim. It is tightly wrapped with half-split strips of bamboo.This technique is called Sendan-maki, in which the rim is wrapped almost without gaps. The wrapping uses the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which is valued for its flexibility and durability.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s preference, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped at wider intervals instead of the Sendan-maki technique.The handles are made from two pieces of Nemagari bamboo. They are bound together at the top with thin, tape-like strips of bamboo.Sometimes the handles are used whole without splitting, while in other cases, depending on the thickness of the bamboo, they are halved.Each handle is fixed to the basket at four points along the sides.Here is the joint where the handle meets the basket, viewed from the inside.On the underside of the basket, two reinforcing strips run vertically for added strength. They support the contents of the basket firmly.As the name “Nemagari” suggests, each piece of bamboo naturally has its own bends and curves. Because of this, the reinforcing strips at the bottom are not perfectly straight,and the basket may tilt slightly when placed on a flat surface. However, it remains stable and does not wobble. You may receive a basket of this kind, as each one is made in response to the natural shape of the material.Depending on the artisan, the bottom weave may differ from the standard hexagonal pattern and be made denser for added strength.In some cases, not only the bottom but also the sides are woven more tightly. Whichever the case, we will deliver the type available at the time of your order.It is a convenient size to carry for shopping.You can also place it in the corner of a room as a magazine rack.Or, by placing a glass vase inside, it can serve beautifully as a flower basket.The bright colors of flowers match well with the rustic texture of Nemagari bamboo.
Since Nemagari bamboo work from Oguni makes use of the natural bends of the material, a variation of about 1.2″ to 2.0″ in shape or size is common. We recommend allowing a little extra room when considering the dimensions.
It can be used as a harvest basket for home gardening, or as a storage basket indoors—it is practical in many ways.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy character will surely make it a reliable companion in your daily 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 handled basket was commissioned from an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for basket making.
Nemagari bamboo craft from Oguni is characterized by its simplicity, ruggedness, and strength. Artisans do not make the strips too uniform in width; they often use thicker strips or even half-split pieces of Nemagari bamboo as they are.
Rather than shaping the basket freely according to their preference, they make use of the natural flexibility and strength of Nemagari bamboo, and then carefully adjust the shape by hand. Though the weave may not be perfectly even, the basket’s firm and solid structure is a defining feature.
The basket is made using thin strips split from Nemagari bamboo, and woven throughout in the Mutsume-ami pattern, whose openings form hexagonal shapes. The upper photo shows a “simple side” type,but we may also deliver one with “two vertical reinforcing strips” running along both sides of the basket.A single horizontal strip runs around the middle of the basket, adding further strength and stability.Here is the rim. It is tightly wrapped with half-split strips of bamboo.This technique is called Sendan-maki, in which the rim is wrapped almost without gaps. The wrapping uses the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which is valued for its flexibility and durability.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s preference, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped at wider intervals instead of the Sendan-maki technique.The handles are made from two pieces of Nemagari bamboo. They are bound together at the top with thin, tape-like strips of bamboo.Sometimes the handles are used whole without splitting, while in other cases, depending on the thickness of the bamboo, they are halved.Each handle is fixed to the basket at four points along the sides.Here is the joint where the handle meets the basket, viewed from the inside.On the underside of the basket, two reinforcing strips run vertically for added strength. They support the contents of the basket firmly.As the name “Nemagari” suggests, each piece of bamboo naturally has its own bends and curves. Because of this, the reinforcing strips at the bottom are not perfectly straight,and the basket may tilt slightly when placed on a flat surface. However, it remains stable and does not wobble. You may receive a basket of this kind, as each one is made in response to the natural shape of the material.Depending on the artisan, the bottom weave may differ from the standard hexagonal pattern and be made denser for added strength.In some cases, not only the bottom but also the sides are woven more tightly. Whichever the case, we will deliver the type available at the time of your order.It is a convenient size to carry for shopping.You can also place it in the corner of a room as a magazine rack.Or, by placing a glass vase inside, it can serve beautifully as a flower basket.The bright colors of flowers match well with the rustic texture of Nemagari bamboo.
Since Nemagari bamboo work from Oguni makes use of the natural bends of the material, a variation of about 1.2″ to 2.0″ in shape or size is common. We recommend allowing a little extra room when considering the dimensions.
It can be used as a harvest basket for home gardening, or as a storage basket indoors—it is practical in many ways.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy character will surely make it a reliable companion in your daily 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.
