In Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, there are records showing that igusa rush was cultivated as far back as 1,500 years ago. The area has long been known throughout Japan as a major production region for igusa.
Kurashiki thrived from the Middle Ages through the Edo period as a center of water transport and igusa-based industries such as woven mats and tatami.
However, the industry eventually declined due to several factors: – The development of large-scale industries such as in the Mizushima area – The shift toward part-time farming – The rise of inexpensive and imported goods – The decreased demand for tatami
Even so, there are still craftspeople today who continue to make each ikago—baskets woven from igusa—entirely by hand, preserving the tradition with care.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Bottle Baskets are entirely handwoven. There are three sizes—small, medium, and large—shown from left to right in the photo.
The basic method of construction is the same for all sizes.
It is woven using a technique known as shippō-ami or macramé. The material is soft and flexible; when empty, it can be tightened or drawn closed, making it a highly practical basket.The base, as you can see, is also made entirely from igusa.Although it is a slim basket, the weave itself stretches and adapts to the shape of whatever is placed inside. After the weaving is complete, the basket is turned inside out from the base, which causes the weight from above to naturally tighten the weave even further.
Let us introduce each size in order.
This is the small size, ideal for carrying a water bottle or a small plastic bottle.Here is the handle of the small size. It is a coiled handle, like that of the ikago hand baskets. The handle design differs from those of the medium and large sizes.This is how it looks with a water bottle inside. The bottle shown is 2.76″ in diameter and 6.89″ in height.It can be carried by hand on a walk or an outing, or hooked onto a bag for easy carrying.This is the medium size. It fits perfectly for a 720 ml sake bottle, a wine bottle, or a 500 ml plastic bottle.Here, a wine bottle is placed inside—it fits just right.The medium size can also be used as a hanging storage basket, as shown here with onions inside. It can hold about two medium-sized onions securely.This is the large size, designed to hold a 1.8-liter sake bottle.Here, an unopened 1.8-liter sake bottle is placed inside. As intended, it fits perfectly, and the basket holds the weight with ease.Both baskets shown here are large size—the one on the left has been used for several years. Like tatami mats, the color has gently faded with time.The medium and large sizes retain the traditional handle design used since old times. This handle allows you to carry even a full sake bottle securely, showing the strength of the twisted inawa cords.
Originally, these bottle baskets were used to carry bottles when refilling soy sauce, mirin, or other liquid seasonings at local shops. Since they were designed to carry even large sake bottles, their strength is just as reliable as handbags. Imagine bringing this bottle basket filled with sake when gathering for a shared meal—what a charming sight that would be.
With years of use, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a rich, warm brown.
At home, you can hang it to store onions or potatoes, or place bottles or flowers inside the smaller sizes—adapting it to modern daily life in your own way.
The gentle color of igusa and the warmth of the handwoven texture bring a refreshing feeling just by looking at it. Please choose your preferred size from the three available options.
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 are records showing that igusa rush was cultivated as far back as 1,500 years ago. The area has long been known throughout Japan as a major production region for igusa.
Kurashiki thrived from the Middle Ages through the Edo period as a center of water transport and igusa-based industries such as woven mats and tatami.
However, the industry eventually declined due to several factors: – The development of large-scale industries such as in the Mizushima area – The shift toward part-time farming – The rise of inexpensive and imported goods – The decreased demand for tatami
Even so, there are still craftspeople today who continue to make each ikago—baskets woven from igusa—entirely by hand, preserving the tradition with care.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Bottle Baskets are entirely handwoven. There are three sizes—small, medium, and large—shown from left to right in the photo.
The basic method of construction is the same for all sizes.
It is woven using a technique known as shippō-ami or macramé. The material is soft and flexible; when empty, it can be tightened or drawn closed, making it a highly practical basket.The base, as you can see, is also made entirely from igusa.Although it is a slim basket, the weave itself stretches and adapts to the shape of whatever is placed inside. After the weaving is complete, the basket is turned inside out from the base, which causes the weight from above to naturally tighten the weave even further.
Let us introduce each size in order.
This is the small size, ideal for carrying a water bottle or a small plastic bottle.Here is the handle of the small size. It is a coiled handle, like that of the ikago hand baskets. The handle design differs from those of the medium and large sizes.This is how it looks with a water bottle inside. The bottle shown is 2.76″ in diameter and 6.89″ in height.It can be carried by hand on a walk or an outing, or hooked onto a bag for easy carrying.This is the medium size. It fits perfectly for a 720 ml sake bottle, a wine bottle, or a 500 ml plastic bottle.Here, a wine bottle is placed inside—it fits just right.The medium size can also be used as a hanging storage basket, as shown here with onions inside. It can hold about two medium-sized onions securely.This is the large size, designed to hold a 1.8-liter sake bottle.Here, an unopened 1.8-liter sake bottle is placed inside. As intended, it fits perfectly, and the basket holds the weight with ease.Both baskets shown here are large size—the one on the left has been used for several years. Like tatami mats, the color has gently faded with time.The medium and large sizes retain the traditional handle design used since old times. This handle allows you to carry even a full sake bottle securely, showing the strength of the twisted inawa cords.
Originally, these bottle baskets were used to carry bottles when refilling soy sauce, mirin, or other liquid seasonings at local shops. Since they were designed to carry even large sake bottles, their strength is just as reliable as handbags. Imagine bringing this bottle basket filled with sake when gathering for a shared meal—what a charming sight that would be.
With years of use, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a rich, warm brown.
At home, you can hang it to store onions or potatoes, or place bottles or flowers inside the smaller sizes—adapting it to modern daily life in your own way.
The gentle color of igusa and the warmth of the handwoven texture bring a refreshing feeling just by looking at it. Please choose your preferred size from the three available options.
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 are records showing that igusa rush was cultivated as far back as 1,500 years ago. The area has long been known throughout Japan as a major production region for igusa.
Kurashiki thrived from the Middle Ages through the Edo period as a center of water transport and igusa-based industries such as woven mats and tatami.
However, the industry eventually declined due to several factors: – The development of large-scale industries such as in the Mizushima area – The shift toward part-time farming – The rise of inexpensive and imported goods – The decreased demand for tatami
Even so, there are still craftspeople today who continue to make each ikago—baskets woven from igusa—entirely by hand, preserving the tradition with care.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Bottle Baskets are entirely handwoven. There are three sizes—small, medium, and large—shown from left to right in the photo.
The basic method of construction is the same for all sizes.
It is woven using a technique known as shippō-ami or macramé. The material is soft and flexible; when empty, it can be tightened or drawn closed, making it a highly practical basket.The base, as you can see, is also made entirely from igusa.Although it is a slim basket, the weave itself stretches and adapts to the shape of whatever is placed inside. After the weaving is complete, the basket is turned inside out from the base, which causes the weight from above to naturally tighten the weave even further.
Let us introduce each size in order.
This is the small size, ideal for carrying a water bottle or a small plastic bottle.Here is the handle of the small size. It is a coiled handle, like that of the ikago hand baskets. The handle design differs from those of the medium and large sizes.This is how it looks with a water bottle inside. The bottle shown is 2.76″ in diameter and 6.89″ in height.It can be carried by hand on a walk or an outing, or hooked onto a bag for easy carrying.This is the medium size. It fits perfectly for a 720 ml sake bottle, a wine bottle, or a 500 ml plastic bottle.Here, a wine bottle is placed inside—it fits just right.The medium size can also be used as a hanging storage basket, as shown here with onions inside. It can hold about two medium-sized onions securely.This is the large size, designed to hold a 1.8-liter sake bottle.Here, an unopened 1.8-liter sake bottle is placed inside. As intended, it fits perfectly, and the basket holds the weight with ease.Both baskets shown here are large size—the one on the left has been used for several years. Like tatami mats, the color has gently faded with time.The medium and large sizes retain the traditional handle design used since old times. This handle allows you to carry even a full sake bottle securely, showing the strength of the twisted inawa cords.
Originally, these bottle baskets were used to carry bottles when refilling soy sauce, mirin, or other liquid seasonings at local shops. Since they were designed to carry even large sake bottles, their strength is just as reliable as handbags. Imagine bringing this bottle basket filled with sake when gathering for a shared meal—what a charming sight that would be.
With years of use, the fresh green color of the igusa gradually matures into a rich, warm brown.
At home, you can hang it to store onions or potatoes, or place bottles or flowers inside the smaller sizes—adapting it to modern daily life in your own way.
The gentle color of igusa and the warmth of the handwoven texture bring a refreshing feeling just by looking at it. Please choose your preferred size from the three available options.
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.
