This mekago is characterized by its regularly arranged hexagonal weave.
The term mekago refers to baskets or colanders with open weaves, and they are sometimes called mezaru in Japanese. Among them, this type—known as “azuki-arai” or “beans washing” basket— features a finer weave, and this version has been made even shallower in height. It comes in two sizes: small and large.
The entire basket is made using the mutsume-ami technique, a method of weaving that creates interlocking hexagonal patterns. The openings of the weave measure about 0.28″, forming a continuous pattern of fine, delicate hexagons.The open weave allows dirt from vegetables, clams, or other ingredients to slip easily through the gaps.The strips are even in width and thickness, and the hexagonal weave is neatly aligned, resulting in a refined and beautifully balanced finish.The rim is made by wrapping shinodake around a core of the same material.The color and texture of shinodake from Miyagi differ subtly from those of bamboo crafts made in other regions.The base has no reinforcing bamboo strips, and because shinodake is a relatively soft material, pressing it lightly with your palm will cause it to flex slightly inward.This flexibility expresses the natural suppleness of shinodake—unlike harder materials, it bends gently instead of breaking, giving it a soft, pleasant feel to the touch.At the corners of the base, instead of the regular hexagonal pattern, the strips overlap and intersect from different directions.
Now, let us look at the sizes in order.
This is the small size.It is about the size of an adult’s open hand and can hold around four mandarins laid flat.This is the large size.It is large enough for an adult to spread a hand inside, and can hold about five to seven mandarins laid flat.
As the name suggests, this type of basket was originally used for washing beans. Although there are many kinds and sizes of beans, the size of the weave here suits relatively larger beans among them.
In the production area, there used to be other types of mekago made for washing mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and shellfish, showing how finely baskets and colanders were specialized for different household uses. These variations reveal how craftspeople once created each basket thoughtfully, so that people could live their daily lives more comfortably.
Bamboo work made from shinodake in Miyagi is known for its soft texture and fine strips, making it different from other regional bamboo crafts. These baskets are not meant for carrying heavy items, so please take care when placing water-heavy fruits or other items inside.
For example, you can wash and salt edamame in this basket before boiling, then drain the hot water through the basket, and serve it directly at the table by placing a small plate underneath.
Though made as a kitchen tool for preparation, it also serves beautifully as a vessel for the table— allowing you to enjoy its texture even during the meal.
You can also use it to wash roughly chopped vegetables in a bowl, to clean clams or shijimi shellfish, or to rinse fruits such as strawberries or grapes.
Light and flexible, this mekago lets you fully enjoy the soft texture and natural warmth of shinodake bamboo. After washing, we recommend hanging it on an S-shaped hook to dry. When dry and not in use, it can be neatly nested for storage like this.
Among the traditional shinodake bamboo crafts of Miyagi, this basket stands out for its distinctive name and beautiful, refined finish. Some people use it as a fruit basket or as a stand for inverted cups, assuming it remains stationary and is not used for carrying heavy items.
Though opportunities to wash beans may be fewer today, this basket remains useful as a colander or multipurpose basket for everyday kitchen use.
Please choose the size that best fits your needs.
__Traditional shinodake bamboo craft from Iwadeyama, Miyagi Prefecture__
In Iwadeyama, Osaki City—about 50 kilometers north of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture— it is said that basket and colander making began as a side craft for samurai families during the Edo period. Using shinodake bamboo—a flexible variety of bamboo that grows naturally in the region— they crafted baskets and household tools suited to daily use or professional needs.
Baskets made from shinodake in Miyagi are known above all for being extremely light and gentle to the touch, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use.
At its peak, more than eighty kinds of baskets and colanders were made. However, with the passing of time, both the variety and production have greatly declined. Today, the simple, traditional baskets made entirely from shinodake bamboo— without using madake bamboo for the rims—are now crafted only by a few elderly artisans.
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 mekago is characterized by its regularly arranged hexagonal weave.
The term mekago refers to baskets or colanders with open weaves, and they are sometimes called mezaru in Japanese. Among them, this type—known as “azuki-arai” or “beans washing” basket— features a finer weave, and this version has been made even shallower in height. It comes in two sizes: small and large.
The entire basket is made using the mutsume-ami technique, a method of weaving that creates interlocking hexagonal patterns. The openings of the weave measure about 0.28″, forming a continuous pattern of fine, delicate hexagons.The open weave allows dirt from vegetables, clams, or other ingredients to slip easily through the gaps.The strips are even in width and thickness, and the hexagonal weave is neatly aligned, resulting in a refined and beautifully balanced finish.The rim is made by wrapping shinodake around a core of the same material.The color and texture of shinodake from Miyagi differ subtly from those of bamboo crafts made in other regions.The base has no reinforcing bamboo strips, and because shinodake is a relatively soft material, pressing it lightly with your palm will cause it to flex slightly inward.This flexibility expresses the natural suppleness of shinodake—unlike harder materials, it bends gently instead of breaking, giving it a soft, pleasant feel to the touch.At the corners of the base, instead of the regular hexagonal pattern, the strips overlap and intersect from different directions.
Now, let us look at the sizes in order.
This is the small size.It is about the size of an adult’s open hand and can hold around four mandarins laid flat.This is the large size.It is large enough for an adult to spread a hand inside, and can hold about five to seven mandarins laid flat.
As the name suggests, this type of basket was originally used for washing beans. Although there are many kinds and sizes of beans, the size of the weave here suits relatively larger beans among them.
In the production area, there used to be other types of mekago made for washing mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and shellfish, showing how finely baskets and colanders were specialized for different household uses. These variations reveal how craftspeople once created each basket thoughtfully, so that people could live their daily lives more comfortably.
Bamboo work made from shinodake in Miyagi is known for its soft texture and fine strips, making it different from other regional bamboo crafts. These baskets are not meant for carrying heavy items, so please take care when placing water-heavy fruits or other items inside.
For example, you can wash and salt edamame in this basket before boiling, then drain the hot water through the basket, and serve it directly at the table by placing a small plate underneath.
Though made as a kitchen tool for preparation, it also serves beautifully as a vessel for the table— allowing you to enjoy its texture even during the meal.
You can also use it to wash roughly chopped vegetables in a bowl, to clean clams or shijimi shellfish, or to rinse fruits such as strawberries or grapes.
Light and flexible, this mekago lets you fully enjoy the soft texture and natural warmth of shinodake bamboo. After washing, we recommend hanging it on an S-shaped hook to dry. When dry and not in use, it can be neatly nested for storage like this.
Among the traditional shinodake bamboo crafts of Miyagi, this basket stands out for its distinctive name and beautiful, refined finish. Some people use it as a fruit basket or as a stand for inverted cups, assuming it remains stationary and is not used for carrying heavy items.
Though opportunities to wash beans may be fewer today, this basket remains useful as a colander or multipurpose basket for everyday kitchen use.
Please choose the size that best fits your needs.
__Traditional shinodake bamboo craft from Iwadeyama, Miyagi Prefecture__
In Iwadeyama, Osaki City—about 50 kilometers north of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture— it is said that basket and colander making began as a side craft for samurai families during the Edo period. Using shinodake bamboo—a flexible variety of bamboo that grows naturally in the region— they crafted baskets and household tools suited to daily use or professional needs.
Baskets made from shinodake in Miyagi are known above all for being extremely light and gentle to the touch, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use.
At its peak, more than eighty kinds of baskets and colanders were made. However, with the passing of time, both the variety and production have greatly declined. Today, the simple, traditional baskets made entirely from shinodake bamboo— without using madake bamboo for the rims—are now crafted only by a few elderly artisans.
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 mekago is characterized by its regularly arranged hexagonal weave.
The term mekago refers to baskets or colanders with open weaves, and they are sometimes called mezaru in Japanese. Among them, this type—known as “azuki-arai” or “beans washing” basket— features a finer weave, and this version has been made even shallower in height. It comes in two sizes: small and large.
The entire basket is made using the mutsume-ami technique, a method of weaving that creates interlocking hexagonal patterns. The openings of the weave measure about 0.28″, forming a continuous pattern of fine, delicate hexagons.The open weave allows dirt from vegetables, clams, or other ingredients to slip easily through the gaps.The strips are even in width and thickness, and the hexagonal weave is neatly aligned, resulting in a refined and beautifully balanced finish.The rim is made by wrapping shinodake around a core of the same material.The color and texture of shinodake from Miyagi differ subtly from those of bamboo crafts made in other regions.The base has no reinforcing bamboo strips, and because shinodake is a relatively soft material, pressing it lightly with your palm will cause it to flex slightly inward.This flexibility expresses the natural suppleness of shinodake—unlike harder materials, it bends gently instead of breaking, giving it a soft, pleasant feel to the touch.At the corners of the base, instead of the regular hexagonal pattern, the strips overlap and intersect from different directions.
Now, let us look at the sizes in order.
This is the small size.It is about the size of an adult’s open hand and can hold around four mandarins laid flat.This is the large size.It is large enough for an adult to spread a hand inside, and can hold about five to seven mandarins laid flat.
As the name suggests, this type of basket was originally used for washing beans. Although there are many kinds and sizes of beans, the size of the weave here suits relatively larger beans among them.
In the production area, there used to be other types of mekago made for washing mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and shellfish, showing how finely baskets and colanders were specialized for different household uses. These variations reveal how craftspeople once created each basket thoughtfully, so that people could live their daily lives more comfortably.
Bamboo work made from shinodake in Miyagi is known for its soft texture and fine strips, making it different from other regional bamboo crafts. These baskets are not meant for carrying heavy items, so please take care when placing water-heavy fruits or other items inside.
For example, you can wash and salt edamame in this basket before boiling, then drain the hot water through the basket, and serve it directly at the table by placing a small plate underneath.
Though made as a kitchen tool for preparation, it also serves beautifully as a vessel for the table— allowing you to enjoy its texture even during the meal.
You can also use it to wash roughly chopped vegetables in a bowl, to clean clams or shijimi shellfish, or to rinse fruits such as strawberries or grapes.
Light and flexible, this mekago lets you fully enjoy the soft texture and natural warmth of shinodake bamboo. After washing, we recommend hanging it on an S-shaped hook to dry. When dry and not in use, it can be neatly nested for storage like this.
Among the traditional shinodake bamboo crafts of Miyagi, this basket stands out for its distinctive name and beautiful, refined finish. Some people use it as a fruit basket or as a stand for inverted cups, assuming it remains stationary and is not used for carrying heavy items.
Though opportunities to wash beans may be fewer today, this basket remains useful as a colander or multipurpose basket for everyday kitchen use.
Please choose the size that best fits your needs.
__Traditional shinodake bamboo craft from Iwadeyama, Miyagi Prefecture__
In Iwadeyama, Osaki City—about 50 kilometers north of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture— it is said that basket and colander making began as a side craft for samurai families during the Edo period. Using shinodake bamboo—a flexible variety of bamboo that grows naturally in the region— they crafted baskets and household tools suited to daily use or professional needs.
Baskets made from shinodake in Miyagi are known above all for being extremely light and gentle to the touch, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use.
At its peak, more than eighty kinds of baskets and colanders were made. However, with the passing of time, both the variety and production have greatly declined. Today, the simple, traditional baskets made entirely from shinodake bamboo— without using madake bamboo for the rims—are now crafted only by a few elderly artisans.
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.
