In Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture, four types of Nemagari bamboo crafts are considered representative: the strainer, fish basket, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
This is one of them—the dish basket. In the region, it is also known as a chabon basket.
This version refines the techniques of the chabon basket even further— carefully selecting the materials, splitting the bamboo into finer, more delicate strips, and shaping the form into a shallow basket with a balanced and precise finish.
Chabon refers to a tray used for serving tea utensils, but this version, made from Nemagari bamboo, is shaped like a shallow basket with slightly raised edges.
We are often asked whether this can be used as a “draining basket.” However, due to its natural material and construction, keeping it wet may cause mold or deterioration over time, so we do not recommend using it for draining dishes.
Instead, we recommend using it for well-wiped or thoroughly drained dishes to let them finish drying, or as a basket for storing clean, dry tableware upside down.
This page introduces two types of shallow, round dish baskets: medium and large sizes.
Both sizes share the same basic weaving structure and construction.The body of each basket is woven in the traditional mutsume-ami, with additional strips crossed between the main pattern—a technique often used in the Togakushi area.The rim is wrapped to match the weave pattern, and all of the core material in the rim is also made from Nemagari bamboo. To maintain the overall balance of the basket, thinner bamboo is used for the rim’s core material as well. You can see that the rim wrapping passes through every intersection of the weave.The rims of both sizes are evenly and precisely finished.The baskets are shallow, making them ideal for placing bowls or cups upside down to dry.The bottom is reinforced with an additional strip of bamboo woven across the standard mutsume-ami, making the base strong and sturdy. As a finishing step, the craftsman lightly singes any fine splinters of bamboo, which may leave small scorch marks as shown in the photos. These are not defects, but part of the hand-finishing process.Two reinforcing bamboo strips are crossed beneath the bottom to support the base.With its slightly elevated base, this basket maintains good ventilation and is ideal not only for dishes but also for storing fruits or vegetables.
Now, let us look at each size.
This is the medium size.It can hold about three to four teacups or small free cups.This is the large size.Perfect for teacups or free cups.It is also ideal for holding a full tea set with a teapot, tea caddy, and cups.
Each basket displays a beautifully uniform and rhythmic weave.
It is not easy to shape a clean, round form using Nemagari bamboo that grows wild in the mountains.
Beyond its use as a dish basket, it can also be enjoyed as a container for sweets or fruit.
The fine weave continues all the way to the bottom, showing a refined, high-quality finish. It is a basket you will want to keep within sight in your daily life.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
__Nemagari Bamboo Crafts of Togakushi, Nagano__
The tradition began in the early Edo period and continues today as a source of livelihood for the people of the Chūsha district in Togakushi. Because Togakushi has little flat land and no rice fields, bamboo became deeply connected with daily life— it was even recognized as a form of tax payment under special provisions.
From the Meiji era to the mid-Showa period, as sericulture (silkworm farming) flourished, the demand for silkworm baskets increased, and both production and the number of craftsmen reached their peak.
The harvesting of materials is carried out under a system in which craftsmen borrow rights to cut bamboo from national forests. To protect this precious resource, members of the bamboo craft association take turns serving as “takenoko guards” during the spring bamboo shoot season to prevent overharvesting.
The harvested nemagari bamboo is polished, split into quarters, and separated into outer skin and inner core to create fine strips for weaving. Among these crafts, four are considered the most representative: the fish basket, strainer, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
The resulting pieces, known for their refined finish, durability, and the distinctive warmth of Nemagari bamboo, remain beloved in daily life even today.
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 Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture, four types of Nemagari bamboo crafts are considered representative: the strainer, fish basket, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
This is one of them—the dish basket. In the region, it is also known as a chabon basket.
This version refines the techniques of the chabon basket even further— carefully selecting the materials, splitting the bamboo into finer, more delicate strips, and shaping the form into a shallow basket with a balanced and precise finish.
Chabon refers to a tray used for serving tea utensils, but this version, made from Nemagari bamboo, is shaped like a shallow basket with slightly raised edges.
We are often asked whether this can be used as a “draining basket.” However, due to its natural material and construction, keeping it wet may cause mold or deterioration over time, so we do not recommend using it for draining dishes.
Instead, we recommend using it for well-wiped or thoroughly drained dishes to let them finish drying, or as a basket for storing clean, dry tableware upside down.
This page introduces two types of shallow, round dish baskets: medium and large sizes.
Both sizes share the same basic weaving structure and construction.The body of each basket is woven in the traditional mutsume-ami, with additional strips crossed between the main pattern—a technique often used in the Togakushi area.The rim is wrapped to match the weave pattern, and all of the core material in the rim is also made from Nemagari bamboo. To maintain the overall balance of the basket, thinner bamboo is used for the rim’s core material as well. You can see that the rim wrapping passes through every intersection of the weave.The rims of both sizes are evenly and precisely finished.The baskets are shallow, making them ideal for placing bowls or cups upside down to dry.The bottom is reinforced with an additional strip of bamboo woven across the standard mutsume-ami, making the base strong and sturdy. As a finishing step, the craftsman lightly singes any fine splinters of bamboo, which may leave small scorch marks as shown in the photos. These are not defects, but part of the hand-finishing process.Two reinforcing bamboo strips are crossed beneath the bottom to support the base.With its slightly elevated base, this basket maintains good ventilation and is ideal not only for dishes but also for storing fruits or vegetables.
Now, let us look at each size.
This is the medium size.It can hold about three to four teacups or small free cups.This is the large size.Perfect for teacups or free cups.It is also ideal for holding a full tea set with a teapot, tea caddy, and cups.
Each basket displays a beautifully uniform and rhythmic weave.
It is not easy to shape a clean, round form using Nemagari bamboo that grows wild in the mountains.
Beyond its use as a dish basket, it can also be enjoyed as a container for sweets or fruit.
The fine weave continues all the way to the bottom, showing a refined, high-quality finish. It is a basket you will want to keep within sight in your daily life.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
__Nemagari Bamboo Crafts of Togakushi, Nagano__
The tradition began in the early Edo period and continues today as a source of livelihood for the people of the Chūsha district in Togakushi. Because Togakushi has little flat land and no rice fields, bamboo became deeply connected with daily life— it was even recognized as a form of tax payment under special provisions.
From the Meiji era to the mid-Showa period, as sericulture (silkworm farming) flourished, the demand for silkworm baskets increased, and both production and the number of craftsmen reached their peak.
The harvesting of materials is carried out under a system in which craftsmen borrow rights to cut bamboo from national forests. To protect this precious resource, members of the bamboo craft association take turns serving as “takenoko guards” during the spring bamboo shoot season to prevent overharvesting.
The harvested nemagari bamboo is polished, split into quarters, and separated into outer skin and inner core to create fine strips for weaving. Among these crafts, four are considered the most representative: the fish basket, strainer, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
The resulting pieces, known for their refined finish, durability, and the distinctive warmth of Nemagari bamboo, remain beloved in daily life even today.
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 Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture, four types of Nemagari bamboo crafts are considered representative: the strainer, fish basket, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
This is one of them—the dish basket. In the region, it is also known as a chabon basket.
This version refines the techniques of the chabon basket even further— carefully selecting the materials, splitting the bamboo into finer, more delicate strips, and shaping the form into a shallow basket with a balanced and precise finish.
Chabon refers to a tray used for serving tea utensils, but this version, made from Nemagari bamboo, is shaped like a shallow basket with slightly raised edges.
We are often asked whether this can be used as a “draining basket.” However, due to its natural material and construction, keeping it wet may cause mold or deterioration over time, so we do not recommend using it for draining dishes.
Instead, we recommend using it for well-wiped or thoroughly drained dishes to let them finish drying, or as a basket for storing clean, dry tableware upside down.
This page introduces two types of shallow, round dish baskets: medium and large sizes.
Both sizes share the same basic weaving structure and construction.The body of each basket is woven in the traditional mutsume-ami, with additional strips crossed between the main pattern—a technique often used in the Togakushi area.The rim is wrapped to match the weave pattern, and all of the core material in the rim is also made from Nemagari bamboo. To maintain the overall balance of the basket, thinner bamboo is used for the rim’s core material as well. You can see that the rim wrapping passes through every intersection of the weave.The rims of both sizes are evenly and precisely finished.The baskets are shallow, making them ideal for placing bowls or cups upside down to dry.The bottom is reinforced with an additional strip of bamboo woven across the standard mutsume-ami, making the base strong and sturdy. As a finishing step, the craftsman lightly singes any fine splinters of bamboo, which may leave small scorch marks as shown in the photos. These are not defects, but part of the hand-finishing process.Two reinforcing bamboo strips are crossed beneath the bottom to support the base.With its slightly elevated base, this basket maintains good ventilation and is ideal not only for dishes but also for storing fruits or vegetables.
Now, let us look at each size.
This is the medium size.It can hold about three to four teacups or small free cups.This is the large size.Perfect for teacups or free cups.It is also ideal for holding a full tea set with a teapot, tea caddy, and cups.
Each basket displays a beautifully uniform and rhythmic weave.
It is not easy to shape a clean, round form using Nemagari bamboo that grows wild in the mountains.
Beyond its use as a dish basket, it can also be enjoyed as a container for sweets or fruit.
The fine weave continues all the way to the bottom, showing a refined, high-quality finish. It is a basket you will want to keep within sight in your daily life.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
__Nemagari Bamboo Crafts of Togakushi, Nagano__
The tradition began in the early Edo period and continues today as a source of livelihood for the people of the Chūsha district in Togakushi. Because Togakushi has little flat land and no rice fields, bamboo became deeply connected with daily life— it was even recognized as a form of tax payment under special provisions.
From the Meiji era to the mid-Showa period, as sericulture (silkworm farming) flourished, the demand for silkworm baskets increased, and both production and the number of craftsmen reached their peak.
The harvesting of materials is carried out under a system in which craftsmen borrow rights to cut bamboo from national forests. To protect this precious resource, members of the bamboo craft association take turns serving as “takenoko guards” during the spring bamboo shoot season to prevent overharvesting.
The harvested nemagari bamboo is polished, split into quarters, and separated into outer skin and inner core to create fine strips for weaving. Among these crafts, four are considered the most representative: the fish basket, strainer, dish basket, and winnowing basket.
The resulting pieces, known for their refined finish, durability, and the distinctive warmth of Nemagari bamboo, remain beloved in daily life even today.
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.
