In the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, Yamagata Prefecture lies on the western side of South Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. Along the coast lies the Shōnai region, known as one of Japan’s major rice-producing areas, famous for its “Shōnai rice.” Naturally, the harvesting of rice also produced straw as a byproduct.
Many everyday baskets and household tools were made using this rice straw. Today, however, because harvesting is now done by machine, even the straw itself has become scarce.
The basket known locally as “Izumeko” was once made in many different sizes.
The name “Izumeko” originally referred to a basket used to keep a rice container warm. Later, this heat-retaining property was adapted for larger versions, which were used to cradle babies—essentially a rice-straw version of a cradle or modern baby bed.
It was used both indoors and outdoors. When parents worked in the fields or paddies, they would keep the basket nearby, within sight of their workspace.
A futon or blanket was placed inside to keep the baby warm. In earlier times, layers of rice chaff, straw stems, straw mats, ash, or even river moss were added for insulation.
At first glance, the hole woven into the bottom of the basket may seem unusual, but according to people in the production area, it serves as ventilation. Since the basket was used both indoors and outdoors, the opening helped prevent the baby’s body heat and moisture from building up inside.The hole in the base and the handles on both sides show traces of its origin as a rice-straw cradle.
The large Izumeko baskets that were once used as cradles are no longer made for daily use. They became smaller in size and are now crafted as folk art. Originally, a baby doll was placed inside each basket, but today, as there are no longer artisans who make the dolls, only the baskets remain.
The structure is nearly the same across all sizes. Each is woven and bound entirely with rice straw, using bundled straw as the core material.You can see how tightly and evenly it is woven, leaving no gaps.The rim is finished smoothly and evenly.Here is the view from above.This is the inner side of the rim.Inside, you may find some straw ends sticking out, but since the material is soft, it doesn’t feel rough to the touch or harm the items placed inside.All of these baskets were made for heat retention, and the body has a firm, thick structure.They are available in six sizes, introduced below from the largest to the smallest.1. Extra Large Approx. Ø 11.81″ × H 4.72″ — the largest size, about twice as big as the Large.Inner Ø 9.84″2. Large Approx. Ø 8.66″ × H 3.94″Inner Ø 7.09″3. Medium Approx. Ø 7.48″ × H 3.15″Inner Ø 5.91″4. Small Approx. Ø 5.91″ × H 2.76″Inner Ø 4.33″5. Extra Small Approx. Ø 4.33″ × H 2.17″Inner Ø 3.15″6. Micro Small The smallest size. Approx. Ø 3.15″ × H 1.57″Inner Ø 2.17″
A basket born from the rice-growing culture of the Shōnai region. It is made using a rare technique in Japan called “coiling.” Coiling is a basketry method in which bundled materials are wound in a spiral and sewn together as the form is built up.
Crafted with refined skill, this rice-straw basket showcases the coiling technique at its best. Made in a cold region, it has a solid and weighty structure, yet feels soft and smooth to the touch.
It can be used to hold fruits, root vegetables, or small household items. The smaller sizes are sometimes chosen as a base for pincushions.
A basket with warmth in both appearance and practicality— please enjoy choosing your favorite from the six available sizes.
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 the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, Yamagata Prefecture lies on the western side of South Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. Along the coast lies the Shōnai region, known as one of Japan’s major rice-producing areas, famous for its “Shōnai rice.” Naturally, the harvesting of rice also produced straw as a byproduct.
Many everyday baskets and household tools were made using this rice straw. Today, however, because harvesting is now done by machine, even the straw itself has become scarce.
The basket known locally as “Izumeko” was once made in many different sizes.
The name “Izumeko” originally referred to a basket used to keep a rice container warm. Later, this heat-retaining property was adapted for larger versions, which were used to cradle babies—essentially a rice-straw version of a cradle or modern baby bed.
It was used both indoors and outdoors. When parents worked in the fields or paddies, they would keep the basket nearby, within sight of their workspace.
A futon or blanket was placed inside to keep the baby warm. In earlier times, layers of rice chaff, straw stems, straw mats, ash, or even river moss were added for insulation.
At first glance, the hole woven into the bottom of the basket may seem unusual, but according to people in the production area, it serves as ventilation. Since the basket was used both indoors and outdoors, the opening helped prevent the baby’s body heat and moisture from building up inside.The hole in the base and the handles on both sides show traces of its origin as a rice-straw cradle.
The large Izumeko baskets that were once used as cradles are no longer made for daily use. They became smaller in size and are now crafted as folk art. Originally, a baby doll was placed inside each basket, but today, as there are no longer artisans who make the dolls, only the baskets remain.
The structure is nearly the same across all sizes. Each is woven and bound entirely with rice straw, using bundled straw as the core material.You can see how tightly and evenly it is woven, leaving no gaps.The rim is finished smoothly and evenly.Here is the view from above.This is the inner side of the rim.Inside, you may find some straw ends sticking out, but since the material is soft, it doesn’t feel rough to the touch or harm the items placed inside.All of these baskets were made for heat retention, and the body has a firm, thick structure.They are available in six sizes, introduced below from the largest to the smallest.1. Extra Large Approx. Ø 11.81″ × H 4.72″ — the largest size, about twice as big as the Large.Inner Ø 9.84″2. Large Approx. Ø 8.66″ × H 3.94″Inner Ø 7.09″3. Medium Approx. Ø 7.48″ × H 3.15″Inner Ø 5.91″4. Small Approx. Ø 5.91″ × H 2.76″Inner Ø 4.33″5. Extra Small Approx. Ø 4.33″ × H 2.17″Inner Ø 3.15″6. Micro Small The smallest size. Approx. Ø 3.15″ × H 1.57″Inner Ø 2.17″
A basket born from the rice-growing culture of the Shōnai region. It is made using a rare technique in Japan called “coiling.” Coiling is a basketry method in which bundled materials are wound in a spiral and sewn together as the form is built up.
Crafted with refined skill, this rice-straw basket showcases the coiling technique at its best. Made in a cold region, it has a solid and weighty structure, yet feels soft and smooth to the touch.
It can be used to hold fruits, root vegetables, or small household items. The smaller sizes are sometimes chosen as a base for pincushions.
A basket with warmth in both appearance and practicality— please enjoy choosing your favorite from the six available sizes.
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 the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, Yamagata Prefecture lies on the western side of South Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan. Along the coast lies the Shōnai region, known as one of Japan’s major rice-producing areas, famous for its “Shōnai rice.” Naturally, the harvesting of rice also produced straw as a byproduct.
Many everyday baskets and household tools were made using this rice straw. Today, however, because harvesting is now done by machine, even the straw itself has become scarce.
The basket known locally as “Izumeko” was once made in many different sizes.
The name “Izumeko” originally referred to a basket used to keep a rice container warm. Later, this heat-retaining property was adapted for larger versions, which were used to cradle babies—essentially a rice-straw version of a cradle or modern baby bed.
It was used both indoors and outdoors. When parents worked in the fields or paddies, they would keep the basket nearby, within sight of their workspace.
A futon or blanket was placed inside to keep the baby warm. In earlier times, layers of rice chaff, straw stems, straw mats, ash, or even river moss were added for insulation.
At first glance, the hole woven into the bottom of the basket may seem unusual, but according to people in the production area, it serves as ventilation. Since the basket was used both indoors and outdoors, the opening helped prevent the baby’s body heat and moisture from building up inside.The hole in the base and the handles on both sides show traces of its origin as a rice-straw cradle.
The large Izumeko baskets that were once used as cradles are no longer made for daily use. They became smaller in size and are now crafted as folk art. Originally, a baby doll was placed inside each basket, but today, as there are no longer artisans who make the dolls, only the baskets remain.
The structure is nearly the same across all sizes. Each is woven and bound entirely with rice straw, using bundled straw as the core material.You can see how tightly and evenly it is woven, leaving no gaps.The rim is finished smoothly and evenly.Here is the view from above.This is the inner side of the rim.Inside, you may find some straw ends sticking out, but since the material is soft, it doesn’t feel rough to the touch or harm the items placed inside.All of these baskets were made for heat retention, and the body has a firm, thick structure.They are available in six sizes, introduced below from the largest to the smallest.1. Extra Large Approx. Ø 11.81″ × H 4.72″ — the largest size, about twice as big as the Large.Inner Ø 9.84″2. Large Approx. Ø 8.66″ × H 3.94″Inner Ø 7.09″3. Medium Approx. Ø 7.48″ × H 3.15″Inner Ø 5.91″4. Small Approx. Ø 5.91″ × H 2.76″Inner Ø 4.33″5. Extra Small Approx. Ø 4.33″ × H 2.17″Inner Ø 3.15″6. Micro Small The smallest size. Approx. Ø 3.15″ × H 1.57″Inner Ø 2.17″
A basket born from the rice-growing culture of the Shōnai region. It is made using a rare technique in Japan called “coiling.” Coiling is a basketry method in which bundled materials are wound in a spiral and sewn together as the form is built up.
Crafted with refined skill, this rice-straw basket showcases the coiling technique at its best. Made in a cold region, it has a solid and weighty structure, yet feels soft and smooth to the touch.
It can be used to hold fruits, root vegetables, or small household items. The smaller sizes are sometimes chosen as a base for pincushions.
A basket with warmth in both appearance and practicality— please enjoy choosing your favorite from the six available sizes.
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.
