In the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, crafts such as Nemagari bamboo weaving and Akebi vine weaving were traditionally winter occupations in the snow-covered regions. It is said that Nemagari bamboo crafts in Nagano have been made since around the Edo period. In Shinshu, known as a region of soba culture, Nesmagari bamboo soba strainers continue to be used by discerning soba restaurants even today.
The refined beauty, durability, and natural warmth unique to Nemagari bamboo make these crafts beloved in daily life even today, and their color and texture deepen with age, bringing joy to those who use them.
Among these, this Paisuke basket is woven from Nemagari bamboo in a bold and powerful style.
The word Paisuke is said to have come from the English word “basket,” which became “baisuke,” and then “paisuke.” It’s an amusing origin, but it also shows how deeply familiar these baskets were in people’s lives.
In Nagano, it is also known by names such as Jaribote or Makitsuke-zaru. This type of basket was also widely used in the Kanto region.
Paisuke baskets were used when carrying loads with a shoulder pole, and also for transporting soil and tools in river construction work.
Because metal or plastic baskets can become too hot or even melt, lightweight and durable bamboo Paisuke baskets—which have low thermal conductivity— are still valued today in glass workshops, wind chime studios, and can-making factories, for cooling products or holding hot materials.
In other words, the Paisuke basket has long been a quiet yet indispensable presence— a truly multifunctional basket used in construction, industry, and trade.
Because it was used for such practical purposes, the finish of the bamboo strips is generally rough and unrefined.The weaving pattern is called gozame-ami, a tightly packed weave often used for durable, work-related baskets.The rim is bound using the relatively soft outer skin of the bamboo.This basket is made with a different mindset from that of those emphasizing “uniformity” or “precision.” The idea of it being a consumable tool is reflected even in the finish of the rim.Here is the inside bottom of the basket. It begins with a firm base weave made from sets of three strips.Unlike baskets for home use, which are usually finished only with the smooth outer skin of the bamboo, this one also uses the inner part of the Nemagari bamboo to minimize waste.Two strips paired together form the reinforcing ribs at the base—three such sets are inserted to firmly support the bottom.It is a size that feels comfortable to hold with both hands. Baskets woven with thick bamboo strips are remarkably sturdy.It can hold a generous armful of harvested vegetables. It’s perfectly fine to use it for freshly picked produce straight from the garden. You can even rinse vegetables directly in it, and wash the entire basket with water and a scrub brush afterward.The balance between outer skin and inner bamboo varies from basket to basket, so please enjoy the unique texture of each piece.
It can hold plenty of vegetables, fruits, or gardening tools. It’s a basket that seems to invite use— once you have one or two at home, you’ll always find something to put in it.
__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 the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, crafts such as Nemagari bamboo weaving and Akebi vine weaving were traditionally winter occupations in the snow-covered regions. It is said that Nemagari bamboo crafts in Nagano have been made since around the Edo period. In Shinshu, known as a region of soba culture, Nesmagari bamboo soba strainers continue to be used by discerning soba restaurants even today.
The refined beauty, durability, and natural warmth unique to Nemagari bamboo make these crafts beloved in daily life even today, and their color and texture deepen with age, bringing joy to those who use them.
Among these, this Paisuke basket is woven from Nemagari bamboo in a bold and powerful style.
The word Paisuke is said to have come from the English word “basket,” which became “baisuke,” and then “paisuke.” It’s an amusing origin, but it also shows how deeply familiar these baskets were in people’s lives.
In Nagano, it is also known by names such as Jaribote or Makitsuke-zaru. This type of basket was also widely used in the Kanto region.
Paisuke baskets were used when carrying loads with a shoulder pole, and also for transporting soil and tools in river construction work.
Because metal or plastic baskets can become too hot or even melt, lightweight and durable bamboo Paisuke baskets—which have low thermal conductivity— are still valued today in glass workshops, wind chime studios, and can-making factories, for cooling products or holding hot materials.
In other words, the Paisuke basket has long been a quiet yet indispensable presence— a truly multifunctional basket used in construction, industry, and trade.
Because it was used for such practical purposes, the finish of the bamboo strips is generally rough and unrefined.The weaving pattern is called gozame-ami, a tightly packed weave often used for durable, work-related baskets.The rim is bound using the relatively soft outer skin of the bamboo.This basket is made with a different mindset from that of those emphasizing “uniformity” or “precision.” The idea of it being a consumable tool is reflected even in the finish of the rim.Here is the inside bottom of the basket. It begins with a firm base weave made from sets of three strips.Unlike baskets for home use, which are usually finished only with the smooth outer skin of the bamboo, this one also uses the inner part of the Nemagari bamboo to minimize waste.Two strips paired together form the reinforcing ribs at the base—three such sets are inserted to firmly support the bottom.It is a size that feels comfortable to hold with both hands. Baskets woven with thick bamboo strips are remarkably sturdy.It can hold a generous armful of harvested vegetables. It’s perfectly fine to use it for freshly picked produce straight from the garden. You can even rinse vegetables directly in it, and wash the entire basket with water and a scrub brush afterward.The balance between outer skin and inner bamboo varies from basket to basket, so please enjoy the unique texture of each piece.
It can hold plenty of vegetables, fruits, or gardening tools. It’s a basket that seems to invite use— once you have one or two at home, you’ll always find something to put in it.
__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 the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, crafts such as Nemagari bamboo weaving and Akebi vine weaving were traditionally winter occupations in the snow-covered regions. It is said that Nemagari bamboo crafts in Nagano have been made since around the Edo period. In Shinshu, known as a region of soba culture, Nesmagari bamboo soba strainers continue to be used by discerning soba restaurants even today.
The refined beauty, durability, and natural warmth unique to Nemagari bamboo make these crafts beloved in daily life even today, and their color and texture deepen with age, bringing joy to those who use them.
Among these, this Paisuke basket is woven from Nemagari bamboo in a bold and powerful style.
The word Paisuke is said to have come from the English word “basket,” which became “baisuke,” and then “paisuke.” It’s an amusing origin, but it also shows how deeply familiar these baskets were in people’s lives.
In Nagano, it is also known by names such as Jaribote or Makitsuke-zaru. This type of basket was also widely used in the Kanto region.
Paisuke baskets were used when carrying loads with a shoulder pole, and also for transporting soil and tools in river construction work.
Because metal or plastic baskets can become too hot or even melt, lightweight and durable bamboo Paisuke baskets—which have low thermal conductivity— are still valued today in glass workshops, wind chime studios, and can-making factories, for cooling products or holding hot materials.
In other words, the Paisuke basket has long been a quiet yet indispensable presence— a truly multifunctional basket used in construction, industry, and trade.
Because it was used for such practical purposes, the finish of the bamboo strips is generally rough and unrefined.The weaving pattern is called gozame-ami, a tightly packed weave often used for durable, work-related baskets.The rim is bound using the relatively soft outer skin of the bamboo.This basket is made with a different mindset from that of those emphasizing “uniformity” or “precision.” The idea of it being a consumable tool is reflected even in the finish of the rim.Here is the inside bottom of the basket. It begins with a firm base weave made from sets of three strips.Unlike baskets for home use, which are usually finished only with the smooth outer skin of the bamboo, this one also uses the inner part of the Nemagari bamboo to minimize waste.Two strips paired together form the reinforcing ribs at the base—three such sets are inserted to firmly support the bottom.It is a size that feels comfortable to hold with both hands. Baskets woven with thick bamboo strips are remarkably sturdy.It can hold a generous armful of harvested vegetables. It’s perfectly fine to use it for freshly picked produce straight from the garden. You can even rinse vegetables directly in it, and wash the entire basket with water and a scrub brush afterward.The balance between outer skin and inner bamboo varies from basket to basket, so please enjoy the unique texture of each piece.
It can hold plenty of vegetables, fruits, or gardening tools. It’s a basket that seems to invite use— once you have one or two at home, you’ll always find something to put in it.
__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.
