This placemat is made on Taketomi Island, using the stems of shell ginger.
Shell ginger is a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the genus Alpinia. The leaves, with their refreshing scent, are used for aromatherapy and herbal tea, and the fragrance is also known to have insect-repelling effects.
The outer layers of the straight shell ginger stems are peeled away in several layers until reaching the core, and each layer is dried separately. When dried, the stem bark naturally curls and hardens. These pieces are then connected like a bamboo blind, using twisted shell ginger cord.The cord is made by twisting fine strips of dried shell ginger stem bark.Each strip of bark is tied together with this cord, one by one.You may notice natural marks or spots on the surface—these are not stains, but part of the plant’s natural pattern.This is the side edge of the mat.A single strand of shell ginger cord is also applied along the top and bottom edges.The mat is flexible and soft in texture, and can be folded in half.
It carries a gentle fragrance of shell ginger.
Perfect for Okinawan cuisine, as well as Chinese, Asian, or casual meals, and for tea time, breakfast, or snacks— the smooth texture of shell ginger complements any table setting.
It can also be used beneath vases, potted plants, or ornaments, adding a natural accent to your space.
If it becomes wet, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth and let it dry completely. Light drying after each use is also recommended.
You can also roll it up and tie it with your favorite string for compact storage.
Please enjoy using it in many different settings.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
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.
This placemat is made on Taketomi Island, using the stems of shell ginger.
Shell ginger is a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the genus Alpinia. The leaves, with their refreshing scent, are used for aromatherapy and herbal tea, and the fragrance is also known to have insect-repelling effects.
The outer layers of the straight shell ginger stems are peeled away in several layers until reaching the core, and each layer is dried separately. When dried, the stem bark naturally curls and hardens. These pieces are then connected like a bamboo blind, using twisted shell ginger cord.The cord is made by twisting fine strips of dried shell ginger stem bark.Each strip of bark is tied together with this cord, one by one.You may notice natural marks or spots on the surface—these are not stains, but part of the plant’s natural pattern.This is the side edge of the mat.A single strand of shell ginger cord is also applied along the top and bottom edges.The mat is flexible and soft in texture, and can be folded in half.
It carries a gentle fragrance of shell ginger.
Perfect for Okinawan cuisine, as well as Chinese, Asian, or casual meals, and for tea time, breakfast, or snacks— the smooth texture of shell ginger complements any table setting.
It can also be used beneath vases, potted plants, or ornaments, adding a natural accent to your space.
If it becomes wet, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth and let it dry completely. Light drying after each use is also recommended.
You can also roll it up and tie it with your favorite string for compact storage.
Please enjoy using it in many different settings.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
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.
This placemat is made on Taketomi Island, using the stems of shell ginger.
Shell ginger is a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the genus Alpinia. The leaves, with their refreshing scent, are used for aromatherapy and herbal tea, and the fragrance is also known to have insect-repelling effects.
The outer layers of the straight shell ginger stems are peeled away in several layers until reaching the core, and each layer is dried separately. When dried, the stem bark naturally curls and hardens. These pieces are then connected like a bamboo blind, using twisted shell ginger cord.The cord is made by twisting fine strips of dried shell ginger stem bark.Each strip of bark is tied together with this cord, one by one.You may notice natural marks or spots on the surface—these are not stains, but part of the plant’s natural pattern.This is the side edge of the mat.A single strand of shell ginger cord is also applied along the top and bottom edges.The mat is flexible and soft in texture, and can be folded in half.
It carries a gentle fragrance of shell ginger.
Perfect for Okinawan cuisine, as well as Chinese, Asian, or casual meals, and for tea time, breakfast, or snacks— the smooth texture of shell ginger complements any table setting.
It can also be used beneath vases, potted plants, or ornaments, adding a natural accent to your space.
If it becomes wet, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth and let it dry completely. Light drying after each use is also recommended.
You can also roll it up and tie it with your favorite string for compact storage.
Please enjoy using it in many different settings.
＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊
Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.
The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands— with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea, carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan. Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life, supporting the lives of the people.
Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.
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.
