This is a tool basket made from green madake bamboo.
It was recreated by a craftsman known for making sturdy baskets, based on the very one that has been used for many years in his own workshop.
The entire basket is woven in gozame-ami, the same technique used for goyō-kago—large, heavy-duty baskets made to carry substantial loads.Each strip is woven tightly over and under the vertical ribs, leaving almost no gaps.The regular alignment of fine bamboo strips gives the basket its strength.Here is the rim viewed from the outside. Wide bamboo strips sandwich the weave, and wire is also used to secure the rim—a structure typical of baskets made to hold heavy objects.Another notable feature is the reinforcing bamboo strips, which run across the bottom and extend beyond the rim.Viewed from above, the rim shows how the hard bamboo is bent almost at a right angle—a gentle curve achieved by heating the material over a charcoal stove.At the corners, you may notice marks made with a black marker—these serve as bending guides and are part of the standard process.This is the handle section. The opening is designed to fit the hand comfortably, and the area where the hand touches is wrapped with rattan for a soft grip.From the inside, you can see that the reinforcing bamboo strips are inserted deeply along the sides.You may also see similar marker lines where the bamboo has been bent.In addition, natural peeling of the bamboo surface,vertical splits caused by the material’s nature,or dark spots from residual soil on the outer skin may be visible. These are not defects and do not affect the use or durability of the basket.Looking at the bottom, you can see how robustly the basket is built—a total of ten reinforcing bamboo strips run both vertically and horizontally. It’s truly impressive.
One of the strengths of madake bamboo work is that, unlike crafts made from thinner, reed-like bamboo, it allows for thicker and wider strips, giving it the strength to withstand heavy or professional use. The thickness of the rim itself speaks to the basket’s durability.
It is well-suited for use as shop equipment or as a storage basket that looks presentable even in your home. You can also pack it with tools for DIY projects, or use it to store long vegetables or a generous amount of produce.
Because this basket is made as a practical tool for holding other practical tools, there may be some rough or uneven parts.
However, when something is made with the intention that it will be used for many years, strength gives rise to beauty. This basket reminds us of that truth.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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 is a tool basket made from green madake bamboo.
It was recreated by a craftsman known for making sturdy baskets, based on the very one that has been used for many years in his own workshop.
The entire basket is woven in gozame-ami, the same technique used for goyō-kago—large, heavy-duty baskets made to carry substantial loads.Each strip is woven tightly over and under the vertical ribs, leaving almost no gaps.The regular alignment of fine bamboo strips gives the basket its strength.Here is the rim viewed from the outside. Wide bamboo strips sandwich the weave, and wire is also used to secure the rim—a structure typical of baskets made to hold heavy objects.Another notable feature is the reinforcing bamboo strips, which run across the bottom and extend beyond the rim.Viewed from above, the rim shows how the hard bamboo is bent almost at a right angle—a gentle curve achieved by heating the material over a charcoal stove.At the corners, you may notice marks made with a black marker—these serve as bending guides and are part of the standard process.This is the handle section. The opening is designed to fit the hand comfortably, and the area where the hand touches is wrapped with rattan for a soft grip.From the inside, you can see that the reinforcing bamboo strips are inserted deeply along the sides.You may also see similar marker lines where the bamboo has been bent.In addition, natural peeling of the bamboo surface,vertical splits caused by the material’s nature,or dark spots from residual soil on the outer skin may be visible. These are not defects and do not affect the use or durability of the basket.Looking at the bottom, you can see how robustly the basket is built—a total of ten reinforcing bamboo strips run both vertically and horizontally. It’s truly impressive.
One of the strengths of madake bamboo work is that, unlike crafts made from thinner, reed-like bamboo, it allows for thicker and wider strips, giving it the strength to withstand heavy or professional use. The thickness of the rim itself speaks to the basket’s durability.
It is well-suited for use as shop equipment or as a storage basket that looks presentable even in your home. You can also pack it with tools for DIY projects, or use it to store long vegetables or a generous amount of produce.
Because this basket is made as a practical tool for holding other practical tools, there may be some rough or uneven parts.
However, when something is made with the intention that it will be used for many years, strength gives rise to beauty. This basket reminds us of that truth.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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 is a tool basket made from green madake bamboo.
It was recreated by a craftsman known for making sturdy baskets, based on the very one that has been used for many years in his own workshop.
The entire basket is woven in gozame-ami, the same technique used for goyō-kago—large, heavy-duty baskets made to carry substantial loads.Each strip is woven tightly over and under the vertical ribs, leaving almost no gaps.The regular alignment of fine bamboo strips gives the basket its strength.Here is the rim viewed from the outside. Wide bamboo strips sandwich the weave, and wire is also used to secure the rim—a structure typical of baskets made to hold heavy objects.Another notable feature is the reinforcing bamboo strips, which run across the bottom and extend beyond the rim.Viewed from above, the rim shows how the hard bamboo is bent almost at a right angle—a gentle curve achieved by heating the material over a charcoal stove.At the corners, you may notice marks made with a black marker—these serve as bending guides and are part of the standard process.This is the handle section. The opening is designed to fit the hand comfortably, and the area where the hand touches is wrapped with rattan for a soft grip.From the inside, you can see that the reinforcing bamboo strips are inserted deeply along the sides.You may also see similar marker lines where the bamboo has been bent.In addition, natural peeling of the bamboo surface,vertical splits caused by the material’s nature,or dark spots from residual soil on the outer skin may be visible. These are not defects and do not affect the use or durability of the basket.Looking at the bottom, you can see how robustly the basket is built—a total of ten reinforcing bamboo strips run both vertically and horizontally. It’s truly impressive.
One of the strengths of madake bamboo work is that, unlike crafts made from thinner, reed-like bamboo, it allows for thicker and wider strips, giving it the strength to withstand heavy or professional use. The thickness of the rim itself speaks to the basket’s durability.
It is well-suited for use as shop equipment or as a storage basket that looks presentable even in your home. You can also pack it with tools for DIY projects, or use it to store long vegetables or a generous amount of produce.
Because this basket is made as a practical tool for holding other practical tools, there may be some rough or uneven parts.
However, when something is made with the intention that it will be used for many years, strength gives rise to beauty. This basket reminds us of that truth.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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.
