This small basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a tree native to the mountain valleys of 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.Among several variations, one will be selected at random and sent to you. Please note that the type cannot be specified. The examples shown in the photos are for reference only.The peeled bark is split into strips about 0.39″ wide and woven together. The natural character of the mountain-grown bark remains visible in its texture.The weave is loosely spaced, leaving gentle gaps between each strip.Around the rim, the strips are wrapped with small intervals between them.Viewed from above, you can see that the rim is wrapped evenly from both sides toward the center.Because each piece is handmade, there may be slight size variations of about 0.39″–0.79″.This is the underside of the basket.Here are some examples of the different types. This one is the “All Outer Bark” type.It is woven using the outer surface of the walnut bark for both the rim and the main body.Inside the basket, the darker inner surface of the bark is visible.Here is how it looks when held in hand.This one is the “Inner Bark with Outer Bark Rim” type.The body is woven with the inner surface of the bark, while the rim is finished with the lighter outer side.Inside the basket, the refreshing tone of the outer bark can be seen.This is the “All Inner Bark” type.It is woven entirely with the darker inner surface of the bark.Inside, you can see the lighter outer bark of the walnut.Other variations include mixed patterns where both surfaces of the bark are combined randomly. Please note that the type may vary depending on the timing of your order.It’s just the right size for holding small everyday items such as key cases or accessories.Here, it’s used to hold chopstick rests.
It’s also useful for gathering small things like stationery, eye drops, or ointments that you often reach for each day.
This small walnut bark basket has a rounded, charming form. The rich, organic texture of the walnut bark blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Please note that the type will be chosen at random. We hope you’ll enjoy the surprise when it arrives.
__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 small basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a tree native to the mountain valleys of 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.Among several variations, one will be selected at random and sent to you. Please note that the type cannot be specified. The examples shown in the photos are for reference only.The peeled bark is split into strips about 0.39″ wide and woven together. The natural character of the mountain-grown bark remains visible in its texture.The weave is loosely spaced, leaving gentle gaps between each strip.Around the rim, the strips are wrapped with small intervals between them.Viewed from above, you can see that the rim is wrapped evenly from both sides toward the center.Because each piece is handmade, there may be slight size variations of about 0.39″–0.79″.This is the underside of the basket.Here are some examples of the different types. This one is the “All Outer Bark” type.It is woven using the outer surface of the walnut bark for both the rim and the main body.Inside the basket, the darker inner surface of the bark is visible.Here is how it looks when held in hand.This one is the “Inner Bark with Outer Bark Rim” type.The body is woven with the inner surface of the bark, while the rim is finished with the lighter outer side.Inside the basket, the refreshing tone of the outer bark can be seen.This is the “All Inner Bark” type.It is woven entirely with the darker inner surface of the bark.Inside, you can see the lighter outer bark of the walnut.Other variations include mixed patterns where both surfaces of the bark are combined randomly. Please note that the type may vary depending on the timing of your order.It’s just the right size for holding small everyday items such as key cases or accessories.Here, it’s used to hold chopstick rests.
It’s also useful for gathering small things like stationery, eye drops, or ointments that you often reach for each day.
This small walnut bark basket has a rounded, charming form. The rich, organic texture of the walnut bark blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Please note that the type will be chosen at random. We hope you’ll enjoy the surprise when it arrives.
__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 small basket is woven from the bark of Sawagurumi (sawa = stream, gurumi = walnut), a tree native to the mountain valleys of 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.Among several variations, one will be selected at random and sent to you. Please note that the type cannot be specified. The examples shown in the photos are for reference only.The peeled bark is split into strips about 0.39″ wide and woven together. The natural character of the mountain-grown bark remains visible in its texture.The weave is loosely spaced, leaving gentle gaps between each strip.Around the rim, the strips are wrapped with small intervals between them.Viewed from above, you can see that the rim is wrapped evenly from both sides toward the center.Because each piece is handmade, there may be slight size variations of about 0.39″–0.79″.This is the underside of the basket.Here are some examples of the different types. This one is the “All Outer Bark” type.It is woven using the outer surface of the walnut bark for both the rim and the main body.Inside the basket, the darker inner surface of the bark is visible.Here is how it looks when held in hand.This one is the “Inner Bark with Outer Bark Rim” type.The body is woven with the inner surface of the bark, while the rim is finished with the lighter outer side.Inside the basket, the refreshing tone of the outer bark can be seen.This is the “All Inner Bark” type.It is woven entirely with the darker inner surface of the bark.Inside, you can see the lighter outer bark of the walnut.Other variations include mixed patterns where both surfaces of the bark are combined randomly. Please note that the type may vary depending on the timing of your order.It’s just the right size for holding small everyday items such as key cases or accessories.Here, it’s used to hold chopstick rests.
It’s also useful for gathering small things like stationery, eye drops, or ointments that you often reach for each day.
This small walnut bark basket has a rounded, charming form. The rich, organic texture of the walnut bark blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.
Please note that the type will be chosen at random. We hope you’ll enjoy the surprise when it arrives.
__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.
