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 the large storage basket with handles, woven from walnut bark in the “Checker Dark” pattern. While the Light type features a rim wrapped with the lighter outer bark, the Dark type uses a deep, dark brown tone for the rim.
The bark is split into wide strips, about 0.98″–1.57″, and woven in a regular checker pattern by alternating the light outer bark and the dark inner bark.The basket is finished in the Ichimatsu-ami style, where the vertical and horizontal strips are woven alternately—a design with a striking visual impact.The rim is woven with the dark brown inner surface of the bark, which gives this “Dark” type its name.Here is a closer look at the corner of the rim.Generously using the material, the basket is finished in a solid, durable form.Because the large size offers ample capacity, a pair of handles has been added to both sides for easier carrying.When lifting the basket, holding it by the rim alone may place strain on the edges and cause damage, but the two handles allow you to carry it in balance and reduce the stress on the structure.This is the underside of the basket. The Ichimatsu-ami pattern is neatly and evenly aligned here as well.It is large enough to hold with both arms and offers plenty of capacity.Although spacious, the basket is light and easy to carry.
It’s ideal for storing fabric items such as stoles, blankets, or knitwear and outerwear you plan to wear again soon.
You can also place it beside a sofa or chair to keep books and magazines within easy reach.
Although the material has been carefully treated, placing a piece of cloth inside is recommended when storing towels or clothing to prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the texture beautifully, allowing you to fully appreciate the material’s natural character. Because the material is well prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant to the touch—never rough or harsh. Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the rich, nutty fragrance of the walnut.
Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any interior, whether Japanese or Western.
__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 the large storage basket with handles, woven from walnut bark in the “Checker Dark” pattern. While the Light type features a rim wrapped with the lighter outer bark, the Dark type uses a deep, dark brown tone for the rim.
The bark is split into wide strips, about 0.98″–1.57″, and woven in a regular checker pattern by alternating the light outer bark and the dark inner bark.The basket is finished in the Ichimatsu-ami style, where the vertical and horizontal strips are woven alternately—a design with a striking visual impact.The rim is woven with the dark brown inner surface of the bark, which gives this “Dark” type its name.Here is a closer look at the corner of the rim.Generously using the material, the basket is finished in a solid, durable form.Because the large size offers ample capacity, a pair of handles has been added to both sides for easier carrying.When lifting the basket, holding it by the rim alone may place strain on the edges and cause damage, but the two handles allow you to carry it in balance and reduce the stress on the structure.This is the underside of the basket. The Ichimatsu-ami pattern is neatly and evenly aligned here as well.It is large enough to hold with both arms and offers plenty of capacity.Although spacious, the basket is light and easy to carry.
It’s ideal for storing fabric items such as stoles, blankets, or knitwear and outerwear you plan to wear again soon.
You can also place it beside a sofa or chair to keep books and magazines within easy reach.
Although the material has been carefully treated, placing a piece of cloth inside is recommended when storing towels or clothing to prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the texture beautifully, allowing you to fully appreciate the material’s natural character. Because the material is well prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant to the touch—never rough or harsh. Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the rich, nutty fragrance of the walnut.
Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any interior, whether Japanese or Western.
__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 the large storage basket with handles, woven from walnut bark in the “Checker Dark” pattern. While the Light type features a rim wrapped with the lighter outer bark, the Dark type uses a deep, dark brown tone for the rim.
The bark is split into wide strips, about 0.98″–1.57″, and woven in a regular checker pattern by alternating the light outer bark and the dark inner bark.The basket is finished in the Ichimatsu-ami style, where the vertical and horizontal strips are woven alternately—a design with a striking visual impact.The rim is woven with the dark brown inner surface of the bark, which gives this “Dark” type its name.Here is a closer look at the corner of the rim.Generously using the material, the basket is finished in a solid, durable form.Because the large size offers ample capacity, a pair of handles has been added to both sides for easier carrying.When lifting the basket, holding it by the rim alone may place strain on the edges and cause damage, but the two handles allow you to carry it in balance and reduce the stress on the structure.This is the underside of the basket. The Ichimatsu-ami pattern is neatly and evenly aligned here as well.It is large enough to hold with both arms and offers plenty of capacity.Although spacious, the basket is light and easy to carry.
It’s ideal for storing fabric items such as stoles, blankets, or knitwear and outerwear you plan to wear again soon.
You can also place it beside a sofa or chair to keep books and magazines within easy reach.
Although the material has been carefully treated, placing a piece of cloth inside is recommended when storing towels or clothing to prevent snagging.
The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the texture beautifully, allowing you to fully appreciate the material’s natural character. Because the material is well prepared, the surface feels smooth and pleasant to the touch—never rough or harsh. Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the rich, nutty fragrance of the walnut.
Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any interior, whether Japanese or Western.
__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.
