Tote Bag Large / Igusa rush / Okayama-JPN 330304-1 岡山県/い草 トートバッグ 大 ベージュ手
Tote Bag Large / Igusa rush / Okayama-JPN 330304-1 岡山県/い草 トートバッグ 大 ベージュ手
In Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, there is one shop that continues to make baskets using inawa—twisted cords made from igusa rush. The ikago (handbag made from inawa cords) was once commonly produced throughout the Kurashiki area, but today, this is the only shop that still makes them.
The current craftsman inherited the work from his grandmother. He has been involved in ikago making since his youth, and while respecting the traditional methods and finishes, he creates his work with a free and flexible sensibility.
Each piece is designed so that anyone—regardless of gender or age—can enjoy using it.
The ikago was originally known as “yami-kago” (baskets carried when going to the yami-ichi, or black markets), and from around the 1940s to the 1960s, it was used as an everyday shopping basket.
Originally, even the handles of ikago are made entirely from igusa rush. However, this version is a tote-bag style ikago that features beige leather handles.
The body of the basket is made by placing each inawa (cords of twisted igusa) onto a special wooden loom and weaving them into a flat sheet of fabric. The woven fabric is then cut to size and hand-finished to create the bag.The rim is also firmly and tightly woven by hand, one by one.The basket and the leather handles are securely fastened with two metal fittings on each side.Here is the back side of the basket.The leather handles are made from relatively thick, wide leather. They feel firm at first but gradually become softer with use.Because the weaving is done on a loom, the pattern is highly regular and beautifully uniform. While the original ikago uses two horizontal cords at the top and bottom sections, this version is woven with a single cord throughout, forming a clean checker pattern.The bottom is woven with three horizontal cords at a time to add extra strength.Although the tote has a slim base, it holds ample capacity for daily use.The slimmer shape allows it to fit comfortably against the body—a unique feature of the tote-bag style.
Over the years, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a deep, warm brown.
The beige handles make a beautiful accent. The simple one-over-one weave gives the basket a light and balanced appearance despite its size. With its generous size, this bag can be used comfortably by anyone, regardless of gender.
It is rare to find a tote bag made from natural materials other than cloth. This igusa tote offers the same ease of use as a fabric bag, yet with the gentle texture and scent of natural rush.
__Ikago Making in Kurashiki__
The ikago is made from igusa rush, the same plant used for tatami mats. Several stalks of igusa are twisted together to form a single cord called inawa, and the ikago is created by weaving these cords on a special loom, then finishing it by hand.
Igusa is a plant that grows naturally in wetlands. On rainy or humid days, when the moisture in the air is high, the condition of the igusa becomes ideal, making it easier to work with. In contrast, on dry days, the igusa becomes brittle and snaps easily, so production must always be adjusted according to the weather. It is a type of basket well suited to Japan’s humid climate.
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 Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, there is one shop that continues to make baskets using inawa—twisted cords made from igusa rush. The ikago (handbag made from inawa cords) was once commonly produced throughout the Kurashiki area, but today, this is the only shop that still makes them.
The current craftsman inherited the work from his grandmother. He has been involved in ikago making since his youth, and while respecting the traditional methods and finishes, he creates his work with a free and flexible sensibility.
Each piece is designed so that anyone—regardless of gender or age—can enjoy using it.
The ikago was originally known as “yami-kago” (baskets carried when going to the yami-ichi, or black markets), and from around the 1940s to the 1960s, it was used as an everyday shopping basket.
Originally, even the handles of ikago are made entirely from igusa rush. However, this version is a tote-bag style ikago that features beige leather handles.
The body of the basket is made by placing each inawa (cords of twisted igusa) onto a special wooden loom and weaving them into a flat sheet of fabric. The woven fabric is then cut to size and hand-finished to create the bag.The rim is also firmly and tightly woven by hand, one by one.The basket and the leather handles are securely fastened with two metal fittings on each side.Here is the back side of the basket.The leather handles are made from relatively thick, wide leather. They feel firm at first but gradually become softer with use.Because the weaving is done on a loom, the pattern is highly regular and beautifully uniform. While the original ikago uses two horizontal cords at the top and bottom sections, this version is woven with a single cord throughout, forming a clean checker pattern.The bottom is woven with three horizontal cords at a time to add extra strength.Although the tote has a slim base, it holds ample capacity for daily use.The slimmer shape allows it to fit comfortably against the body—a unique feature of the tote-bag style.
Over the years, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a deep, warm brown.
The beige handles make a beautiful accent. The simple one-over-one weave gives the basket a light and balanced appearance despite its size. With its generous size, this bag can be used comfortably by anyone, regardless of gender.
It is rare to find a tote bag made from natural materials other than cloth. This igusa tote offers the same ease of use as a fabric bag, yet with the gentle texture and scent of natural rush.
__Ikago Making in Kurashiki__
The ikago is made from igusa rush, the same plant used for tatami mats. Several stalks of igusa are twisted together to form a single cord called inawa, and the ikago is created by weaving these cords on a special loom, then finishing it by hand.
Igusa is a plant that grows naturally in wetlands. On rainy or humid days, when the moisture in the air is high, the condition of the igusa becomes ideal, making it easier to work with. In contrast, on dry days, the igusa becomes brittle and snaps easily, so production must always be adjusted according to the weather. It is a type of basket well suited to Japan’s humid climate.
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 Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, there is one shop that continues to make baskets using inawa—twisted cords made from igusa rush. The ikago (handbag made from inawa cords) was once commonly produced throughout the Kurashiki area, but today, this is the only shop that still makes them.
The current craftsman inherited the work from his grandmother. He has been involved in ikago making since his youth, and while respecting the traditional methods and finishes, he creates his work with a free and flexible sensibility.
Each piece is designed so that anyone—regardless of gender or age—can enjoy using it.
The ikago was originally known as “yami-kago” (baskets carried when going to the yami-ichi, or black markets), and from around the 1940s to the 1960s, it was used as an everyday shopping basket.
Originally, even the handles of ikago are made entirely from igusa rush. However, this version is a tote-bag style ikago that features beige leather handles.
The body of the basket is made by placing each inawa (cords of twisted igusa) onto a special wooden loom and weaving them into a flat sheet of fabric. The woven fabric is then cut to size and hand-finished to create the bag.The rim is also firmly and tightly woven by hand, one by one.The basket and the leather handles are securely fastened with two metal fittings on each side.Here is the back side of the basket.The leather handles are made from relatively thick, wide leather. They feel firm at first but gradually become softer with use.Because the weaving is done on a loom, the pattern is highly regular and beautifully uniform. While the original ikago uses two horizontal cords at the top and bottom sections, this version is woven with a single cord throughout, forming a clean checker pattern.The bottom is woven with three horizontal cords at a time to add extra strength.Although the tote has a slim base, it holds ample capacity for daily use.The slimmer shape allows it to fit comfortably against the body—a unique feature of the tote-bag style.
Over the years, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a deep, warm brown.
The beige handles make a beautiful accent. The simple one-over-one weave gives the basket a light and balanced appearance despite its size. With its generous size, this bag can be used comfortably by anyone, regardless of gender.
It is rare to find a tote bag made from natural materials other than cloth. This igusa tote offers the same ease of use as a fabric bag, yet with the gentle texture and scent of natural rush.
__Ikago Making in Kurashiki__
The ikago is made from igusa rush, the same plant used for tatami mats. Several stalks of igusa are twisted together to form a single cord called inawa, and the ikago is created by weaving these cords on a special loom, then finishing it by hand.
Igusa is a plant that grows naturally in wetlands. On rainy or humid days, when the moisture in the air is high, the condition of the igusa becomes ideal, making it easier to work with. In contrast, on dry days, the igusa becomes brittle and snaps easily, so production must always be adjusted according to the weather. It is a type of basket well suited to Japan’s humid climate.
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.
