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.
By twisting the byproducts of igusa rush used for tatami making— grown in Kumamoto Prefecture—inawa cords are made. This Watermelon Basket is woven using those inawa cords. There are two types: one with short handles and one with long handles. The version with long handles is the original form that was traditionally used as a watermelon basket.
Both types share the same basic structure.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Watermelon Baskets are entirely handwoven.The handles are made by wrapping igusa rush around a core of the same material.Because they were once used to carry whole watermelons, their strength is just as reliable as the ikago handbags, with a firm and sturdy base.Both types are large enough to hold a full-sized watermelon, so they offer plenty of capacity when used as a bag. The flexible weave naturally expands and adjusts to the shape of what’s inside.
Let us take a look at each type.
This is the type with short handles.Some people use it like a handbag.It can easily hold a large watermelon.Because the handles are short, there is very little space between your hand and the watermelon when carrying it, but the shorter handles may make it feel lighter to hold.This is the type with long handles—the original style of the Watermelon Basket.This version can also be used like a handbag.Here it is with a large watermelon inside.When a full-sized watermelon rests inside this classic basket, it conveys a quiet sense of tradition, as if it has always been used that way.
If you prefer to cover the contents, you can drape your favorite cloth over the top for a simple cover.
The pleasant fragrance of igusa rush is truly one of a kind. Over the years, the fresh green of the igusa gradually deepens into a warm, rich brown.
In the photo, the basket on the left has been used for several years, while the one on the right is new. The way the color changes depends on how often it is used outdoors and where it is stored.The igusa rush is woven in a simple, open pattern, creating a soft and rounded form. Of course, it’s beautiful when used as a handbag, but seeing a watermelon resting inside a Watermelon Basket feels especially delightful.
Please compare the handle lengths and choose the type you prefer.
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.
By twisting the byproducts of igusa rush used for tatami making— grown in Kumamoto Prefecture—inawa cords are made. This Watermelon Basket is woven using those inawa cords. There are two types: one with short handles and one with long handles. The version with long handles is the original form that was traditionally used as a watermelon basket.
Both types share the same basic structure.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Watermelon Baskets are entirely handwoven.The handles are made by wrapping igusa rush around a core of the same material.Because they were once used to carry whole watermelons, their strength is just as reliable as the ikago handbags, with a firm and sturdy base.Both types are large enough to hold a full-sized watermelon, so they offer plenty of capacity when used as a bag. The flexible weave naturally expands and adjusts to the shape of what’s inside.
Let us take a look at each type.
This is the type with short handles.Some people use it like a handbag.It can easily hold a large watermelon.Because the handles are short, there is very little space between your hand and the watermelon when carrying it, but the shorter handles may make it feel lighter to hold.This is the type with long handles—the original style of the Watermelon Basket.This version can also be used like a handbag.Here it is with a large watermelon inside.When a full-sized watermelon rests inside this classic basket, it conveys a quiet sense of tradition, as if it has always been used that way.
If you prefer to cover the contents, you can drape your favorite cloth over the top for a simple cover.
The pleasant fragrance of igusa rush is truly one of a kind. Over the years, the fresh green of the igusa gradually deepens into a warm, rich brown.
In the photo, the basket on the left has been used for several years, while the one on the right is new. The way the color changes depends on how often it is used outdoors and where it is stored.The igusa rush is woven in a simple, open pattern, creating a soft and rounded form. Of course, it’s beautiful when used as a handbag, but seeing a watermelon resting inside a Watermelon Basket feels especially delightful.
Please compare the handle lengths and choose the type you prefer.
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.
By twisting the byproducts of igusa rush used for tatami making— grown in Kumamoto Prefecture—inawa cords are made. This Watermelon Basket is woven using those inawa cords. There are two types: one with short handles and one with long handles. The version with long handles is the original form that was traditionally used as a watermelon basket.
Both types share the same basic structure.
When making handbags, each inawa (twisted igusa cord) is set one by one on a special loom and woven into flat fabric, but these Watermelon Baskets are entirely handwoven.The handles are made by wrapping igusa rush around a core of the same material.Because they were once used to carry whole watermelons, their strength is just as reliable as the ikago handbags, with a firm and sturdy base.Both types are large enough to hold a full-sized watermelon, so they offer plenty of capacity when used as a bag. The flexible weave naturally expands and adjusts to the shape of what’s inside.
Let us take a look at each type.
This is the type with short handles.Some people use it like a handbag.It can easily hold a large watermelon.Because the handles are short, there is very little space between your hand and the watermelon when carrying it, but the shorter handles may make it feel lighter to hold.This is the type with long handles—the original style of the Watermelon Basket.This version can also be used like a handbag.Here it is with a large watermelon inside.When a full-sized watermelon rests inside this classic basket, it conveys a quiet sense of tradition, as if it has always been used that way.
If you prefer to cover the contents, you can drape your favorite cloth over the top for a simple cover.
The pleasant fragrance of igusa rush is truly one of a kind. Over the years, the fresh green of the igusa gradually deepens into a warm, rich brown.
In the photo, the basket on the left has been used for several years, while the one on the right is new. The way the color changes depends on how often it is used outdoors and where it is stored.The igusa rush is woven in a simple, open pattern, creating a soft and rounded form. Of course, it’s beautiful when used as a handbag, but seeing a watermelon resting inside a Watermelon Basket feels especially delightful.
Please compare the handle lengths and choose the type you prefer.
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.
