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.
These carrying baskets were made by an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for its 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.
All three types are made in nearly the same way.
The entire basket is based on the Mutsume-ami pattern, a weave of hexagonal openings.One additional horizontal strip is inserted through the center of each hexagon, a technique known as Metsubushi. Since the number of strips increases compared to ordinary Mutsume-ami, the weave becomes even stronger.The part that makes this basket particularly sturdy—and also the most time-consuming to craft—is the rim.This technique is called Sendan-maki, a method of wrapping the rim as tightly as possible without gaps. The rim is also wrapped with the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which shows the flexibility of the material.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s process, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped through each opening instead of the Sendan-maki style.This variation has been used in the region for many years, and its strength is fully sufficient.To make the basket fit comfortably against the back when carried, one side is designed to be flat. The outer bamboo surface faces outward to reduce friction against clothing.Around the body, strong horizontal strips are added—one for the waist basket and two for the back baskets—providing additional reinforcement.Like the sides, the bottom is woven in the Mutsume-ami Metsubushi style. Two reinforcing strips run vertically across the base, and in the large back basket, an additional strip runs horizontally. These reinforcing pieces firmly support the contents placed inside.In the large back basket, the horizontal reinforcing strip also continues up along the side.
We will now introduce the three types in order.
First is the waist basket.It is sized to be worn around the waist with a cord threaded through.Next is the medium back basket.A cord can be threaded through the flat side so it can be carried on the back.This is the large back basket.For the large size, the design may slightly vary depending on the materials and the artisan’s approach, but it remains fully suitable for use as a carrying basket.Some large baskets are finished using a double-strip weave, which may differ depending on the production period.
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.
These baskets can be used by attaching a cord to wear them around the waist or on the back, to collect and carry vegetables, mushrooms, or mountain greens. They are also ideal for home gardening.
Alternatively, they can serve as storage baskets indoors.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy presence makes it a reliable companion in daily life.
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.
These carrying baskets were made by an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for its 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.
All three types are made in nearly the same way.
The entire basket is based on the Mutsume-ami pattern, a weave of hexagonal openings.One additional horizontal strip is inserted through the center of each hexagon, a technique known as Metsubushi. Since the number of strips increases compared to ordinary Mutsume-ami, the weave becomes even stronger.The part that makes this basket particularly sturdy—and also the most time-consuming to craft—is the rim.This technique is called Sendan-maki, a method of wrapping the rim as tightly as possible without gaps. The rim is also wrapped with the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which shows the flexibility of the material.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s process, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped through each opening instead of the Sendan-maki style.This variation has been used in the region for many years, and its strength is fully sufficient.To make the basket fit comfortably against the back when carried, one side is designed to be flat. The outer bamboo surface faces outward to reduce friction against clothing.Around the body, strong horizontal strips are added—one for the waist basket and two for the back baskets—providing additional reinforcement.Like the sides, the bottom is woven in the Mutsume-ami Metsubushi style. Two reinforcing strips run vertically across the base, and in the large back basket, an additional strip runs horizontally. These reinforcing pieces firmly support the contents placed inside.In the large back basket, the horizontal reinforcing strip also continues up along the side.
We will now introduce the three types in order.
First is the waist basket.It is sized to be worn around the waist with a cord threaded through.Next is the medium back basket.A cord can be threaded through the flat side so it can be carried on the back.This is the large back basket.For the large size, the design may slightly vary depending on the materials and the artisan’s approach, but it remains fully suitable for use as a carrying basket.Some large baskets are finished using a double-strip weave, which may differ depending on the production period.
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.
These baskets can be used by attaching a cord to wear them around the waist or on the back, to collect and carry vegetables, mushrooms, or mountain greens. They are also ideal for home gardening.
Alternatively, they can serve as storage baskets indoors.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy presence makes it a reliable companion in daily life.
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.
These carrying baskets were made by an artisan who lives in a hamlet known for its 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.
All three types are made in nearly the same way.
The entire basket is based on the Mutsume-ami pattern, a weave of hexagonal openings.One additional horizontal strip is inserted through the center of each hexagon, a technique known as Metsubushi. Since the number of strips increases compared to ordinary Mutsume-ami, the weave becomes even stronger.The part that makes this basket particularly sturdy—and also the most time-consuming to craft—is the rim.This technique is called Sendan-maki, a method of wrapping the rim as tightly as possible without gaps. The rim is also wrapped with the outer skin of young Nemagari bamboo, which shows the flexibility of the material.Depending on the materials and the artisan’s process, some baskets may feature a rim wrapped through each opening instead of the Sendan-maki style.This variation has been used in the region for many years, and its strength is fully sufficient.To make the basket fit comfortably against the back when carried, one side is designed to be flat. The outer bamboo surface faces outward to reduce friction against clothing.Around the body, strong horizontal strips are added—one for the waist basket and two for the back baskets—providing additional reinforcement.Like the sides, the bottom is woven in the Mutsume-ami Metsubushi style. Two reinforcing strips run vertically across the base, and in the large back basket, an additional strip runs horizontally. These reinforcing pieces firmly support the contents placed inside.In the large back basket, the horizontal reinforcing strip also continues up along the side.
We will now introduce the three types in order.
First is the waist basket.It is sized to be worn around the waist with a cord threaded through.Next is the medium back basket.A cord can be threaded through the flat side so it can be carried on the back.This is the large back basket.For the large size, the design may slightly vary depending on the materials and the artisan’s approach, but it remains fully suitable for use as a carrying basket.Some large baskets are finished using a double-strip weave, which may differ depending on the production period.
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.
These baskets can be used by attaching a cord to wear them around the waist or on the back, to collect and carry vegetables, mushrooms, or mountain greens. They are also ideal for home gardening.
Alternatively, they can serve as storage baskets indoors.
This Nemagari bamboo craft carries the rustic charm of nature, and its quiet, earthy presence makes it a reliable companion in daily life.
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.
