This basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a walnut tree native to Japan.
The bark is harvested at its best between spring and the rainy season, when it holds plenty of moisture and can be peeled smoothly.
As its name suggests, the Sawagurumi grows naturally along shallow mountain streams and rivers.
Unlike Yamagurumi (yama = mountain, gurumi = walnut), which grows higher up in the mountains, its nuts are not edible but are carried away by the flow of nearby streams, helping the tree spread its seeds downstream.
For basket making, young trees of Sawagurumi that are about two to three years old are used.The Sawagurumi grows naturally in clusters, with several trunks sprouting from a single base.From there, the trunks branch out gracefully into many smaller limbs.Not all of the trunks are cut; only two or three are carefully selected and harvested.Freshly cut bark glows with a silvery sheen under the sunlight.A shallow cut is made along the trunk, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is freshly peeled Sawagurumi bark—its inner surface shows a soft cream color right after harvesting, but it gradually deepens into a rich, dark brown over time.The peeled cores are returned to the mountain, where they decompose softly within a year and become part of the soil again.Here is a piece of bark some time after peeling—the inner surface has started to turn a warm brown, and its color will continue to deepen from here.
Here, we introduce four variations of baskets made from walnut bark, woven in the Ajiro-ami pattern: two sizes—small and medium—and two finishes—outer bark and inner bark.
This is the light type, with the lighter brown surface of the walnut bark facing outward.This one is the dark type, where the deeper, dark brown side of the bark faces outward. The pale cream tone seen just after harvesting gradually transforms into this deep, rich color over time—almost mystical to witness.The rim is also woven with the lighter outer bark, giving a gentle, warm impression.Just below the rim runs a single stitch of the same bark, adding a simple accent.Here is a view of the rim seen from inside the basket.And here is the inner bark pattern.The dark type also has a line of stitching beneath the rim.Seen from the inside, the contrast between the deep brown and soft light brown is striking.This is the underside of the basket—the bottom is also finished in Ajiro-ami.While Ichimatsu-ami is the standard for walnut baskets, Ajiro-ami has a distinct charm of its own, offering a softer and more subdued expression.The small size is woven with strips about 0.59″ wide, and the medium size with strips about 0.71″–0.98″ wide. Even with the same Ajiro-ami, the different strip widths give each basket a distinct impression.Inside the basket, the light type shows the deep brown tone of the bark’s inner surface, while the dark type reveals the lighter outer surface. The contrast between inside and outside adds to its charm.Now, let’s take a look at each size and type.This is the small size with outer bark. It fits comfortably in both hands and is practical for daily use. The light type has a matte texture and a refreshing light tone.This is the small size with inner bark. It features a calm, dark tone with a soft sheen. As each piece is made by hand, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the type of bark.This is the medium size with outer bark. The natural character of the tree and the matte finish of the outer bark are both appealing.This is the medium size with inner bark. Again, as each piece is handmade, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the bark type.The medium size easily holds A4 documents, making it ideal for organizing papers or files on a desk.
The small size works well as a basket for placing tea sets or tableware upside down to dry. It can also be used to store dry foods, canned goods, tools, or stationery.
The medium size is perfect for holding placemats, scarves, or other fabric items. It can also be placed beside a sofa or chair to keep magazines and books you’re reading within reach.
It’s also useful for organizing documents while working from home.
Although the material has been carefully treated, if you plan to store towels or clothing, placing a piece of cloth inside will help prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the full texture of the material. Because the bark is thoroughly prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant—never rough or stiff. Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the gentle, nutty fragrance of the walnut. Please choose your preferred type from the selection.
__Original and distinctive bark craft from Iwate__
In this land blessed with abundant nature, craftspeople work with walnut bark and wild grapevine, creating baskets and objects rich in character.
Their creations vary in design and dimensions, always delighting us with their individuality and sense of balance.
They walk through the mountains of Iwate to select and harvest the finest materials by hand. By carefully preparing each piece of bark before weaving, and by maintaining a thoughtful, original approach to design, their work stands apart in every respect.
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 basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a walnut tree native to Japan.
The bark is harvested at its best between spring and the rainy season, when it holds plenty of moisture and can be peeled smoothly.
As its name suggests, the Sawagurumi grows naturally along shallow mountain streams and rivers.
Unlike Yamagurumi (yama = mountain, gurumi = walnut), which grows higher up in the mountains, its nuts are not edible but are carried away by the flow of nearby streams, helping the tree spread its seeds downstream.
For basket making, young trees of Sawagurumi that are about two to three years old are used.The Sawagurumi grows naturally in clusters, with several trunks sprouting from a single base.From there, the trunks branch out gracefully into many smaller limbs.Not all of the trunks are cut; only two or three are carefully selected and harvested.Freshly cut bark glows with a silvery sheen under the sunlight.A shallow cut is made along the trunk, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is freshly peeled Sawagurumi bark—its inner surface shows a soft cream color right after harvesting, but it gradually deepens into a rich, dark brown over time.The peeled cores are returned to the mountain, where they decompose softly within a year and become part of the soil again.Here is a piece of bark some time after peeling—the inner surface has started to turn a warm brown, and its color will continue to deepen from here.
Here, we introduce four variations of baskets made from walnut bark, woven in the Ajiro-ami pattern: two sizes—small and medium—and two finishes—outer bark and inner bark.
This is the light type, with the lighter brown surface of the walnut bark facing outward.This one is the dark type, where the deeper, dark brown side of the bark faces outward. The pale cream tone seen just after harvesting gradually transforms into this deep, rich color over time—almost mystical to witness.The rim is also woven with the lighter outer bark, giving a gentle, warm impression.Just below the rim runs a single stitch of the same bark, adding a simple accent.Here is a view of the rim seen from inside the basket.And here is the inner bark pattern.The dark type also has a line of stitching beneath the rim.Seen from the inside, the contrast between the deep brown and soft light brown is striking.This is the underside of the basket—the bottom is also finished in Ajiro-ami.While Ichimatsu-ami is the standard for walnut baskets, Ajiro-ami has a distinct charm of its own, offering a softer and more subdued expression.The small size is woven with strips about 0.59″ wide, and the medium size with strips about 0.71″–0.98″ wide. Even with the same Ajiro-ami, the different strip widths give each basket a distinct impression.Inside the basket, the light type shows the deep brown tone of the bark’s inner surface, while the dark type reveals the lighter outer surface. The contrast between inside and outside adds to its charm.Now, let’s take a look at each size and type.This is the small size with outer bark. It fits comfortably in both hands and is practical for daily use. The light type has a matte texture and a refreshing light tone.This is the small size with inner bark. It features a calm, dark tone with a soft sheen. As each piece is made by hand, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the type of bark.This is the medium size with outer bark. The natural character of the tree and the matte finish of the outer bark are both appealing.This is the medium size with inner bark. Again, as each piece is handmade, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the bark type.The medium size easily holds A4 documents, making it ideal for organizing papers or files on a desk.
The small size works well as a basket for placing tea sets or tableware upside down to dry. It can also be used to store dry foods, canned goods, tools, or stationery.
The medium size is perfect for holding placemats, scarves, or other fabric items. It can also be placed beside a sofa or chair to keep magazines and books you’re reading within reach.
It’s also useful for organizing documents while working from home.
Although the material has been carefully treated, if you plan to store towels or clothing, placing a piece of cloth inside will help prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the full texture of the material. Because the bark is thoroughly prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant—never rough or stiff. Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the gentle, nutty fragrance of the walnut. Please choose your preferred type from the selection.
__Original and distinctive bark craft from Iwate__
In this land blessed with abundant nature, craftspeople work with walnut bark and wild grapevine, creating baskets and objects rich in character.
Their creations vary in design and dimensions, always delighting us with their individuality and sense of balance.
They walk through the mountains of Iwate to select and harvest the finest materials by hand. By carefully preparing each piece of bark before weaving, and by maintaining a thoughtful, original approach to design, their work stands apart in every respect.
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 basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a walnut tree native to Japan.
The bark is harvested at its best between spring and the rainy season, when it holds plenty of moisture and can be peeled smoothly.
As its name suggests, the Sawagurumi grows naturally along shallow mountain streams and rivers.
Unlike Yamagurumi (yama = mountain, gurumi = walnut), which grows higher up in the mountains, its nuts are not edible but are carried away by the flow of nearby streams, helping the tree spread its seeds downstream.
For basket making, young trees of Sawagurumi that are about two to three years old are used.The Sawagurumi grows naturally in clusters, with several trunks sprouting from a single base.From there, the trunks branch out gracefully into many smaller limbs.Not all of the trunks are cut; only two or three are carefully selected and harvested.Freshly cut bark glows with a silvery sheen under the sunlight.A shallow cut is made along the trunk, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is freshly peeled Sawagurumi bark—its inner surface shows a soft cream color right after harvesting, but it gradually deepens into a rich, dark brown over time.The peeled cores are returned to the mountain, where they decompose softly within a year and become part of the soil again.Here is a piece of bark some time after peeling—the inner surface has started to turn a warm brown, and its color will continue to deepen from here.
Here, we introduce four variations of baskets made from walnut bark, woven in the Ajiro-ami pattern: two sizes—small and medium—and two finishes—outer bark and inner bark.
This is the light type, with the lighter brown surface of the walnut bark facing outward.This one is the dark type, where the deeper, dark brown side of the bark faces outward. The pale cream tone seen just after harvesting gradually transforms into this deep, rich color over time—almost mystical to witness.The rim is also woven with the lighter outer bark, giving a gentle, warm impression.Just below the rim runs a single stitch of the same bark, adding a simple accent.Here is a view of the rim seen from inside the basket.And here is the inner bark pattern.The dark type also has a line of stitching beneath the rim.Seen from the inside, the contrast between the deep brown and soft light brown is striking.This is the underside of the basket—the bottom is also finished in Ajiro-ami.While Ichimatsu-ami is the standard for walnut baskets, Ajiro-ami has a distinct charm of its own, offering a softer and more subdued expression.The small size is woven with strips about 0.59″ wide, and the medium size with strips about 0.71″–0.98″ wide. Even with the same Ajiro-ami, the different strip widths give each basket a distinct impression.Inside the basket, the light type shows the deep brown tone of the bark’s inner surface, while the dark type reveals the lighter outer surface. The contrast between inside and outside adds to its charm.Now, let’s take a look at each size and type.This is the small size with outer bark. It fits comfortably in both hands and is practical for daily use. The light type has a matte texture and a refreshing light tone.This is the small size with inner bark. It features a calm, dark tone with a soft sheen. As each piece is made by hand, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the type of bark.This is the medium size with outer bark. The natural character of the tree and the matte finish of the outer bark are both appealing.This is the medium size with inner bark. Again, as each piece is handmade, slight variations of about 0.39″–0.79″ may occur depending on the bark type.The medium size easily holds A4 documents, making it ideal for organizing papers or files on a desk.
The small size works well as a basket for placing tea sets or tableware upside down to dry. It can also be used to store dry foods, canned goods, tools, or stationery.
The medium size is perfect for holding placemats, scarves, or other fabric items. It can also be placed beside a sofa or chair to keep magazines and books you’re reading within reach.
It’s also useful for organizing documents while working from home.
Although the material has been carefully treated, if you plan to store towels or clothing, placing a piece of cloth inside will help prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the full texture of the material. Because the bark is thoroughly prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant—never rough or stiff. Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the gentle, nutty fragrance of the walnut. Please choose your preferred type from the selection.
__Original and distinctive bark craft from Iwate__
In this land blessed with abundant nature, craftspeople work with walnut bark and wild grapevine, creating baskets and objects rich in character.
Their creations vary in design and dimensions, always delighting us with their individuality and sense of balance.
They walk through the mountains of Iwate to select and harvest the finest materials by hand. By carefully preparing each piece of bark before weaving, and by maintaining a thoughtful, original approach to design, their work stands apart in every respect.
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.
