In traditional farming, the winnowing basket played an essential role— used for gathering, carrying, sorting, transferring, and drying crops. This particular type, made in Chiba Prefecture, was indispensable for farmers and for commercial use alike. It is commonly called “Kizumi’s Winnowing Basket,” named after the settlement where it is produced.
From the Kanto region to the Tokai area, these winnowing baskets made of wisteria and shinodake bamboo from Chiba were widely used. On this page, we introduce four variations of these wisteria-and-bamboo winnowing baskets made in Chiba, differing in size and type.
Harvested grains were placed inside and tossed upward to catch the wind, allowing dust and chaff to blow away. This motion, called hiru in Japanese, separated the good grains from the waste using only wind and hand movement—an ingenious method born from the wisdom of earlier generations.
Similar winnowing baskets, though sometimes round or differently shaped, can be found not only in Japan but also across Asia, around India, and in Africa.
The wisteria winnowing baskets made in Chiba have a flexible rim that bends slightly, allowing the user to hold the edge with both hands and narrow it to pour the grain neatly into a sack.
They can also be used for carrying harvested crops, or as drying baskets for sun-drying grains and other produce.
The construction method is generally the same across all types.
The horizontal weave is made from shinodake bamboo, while the vertical weave is done with the outer bark of wisteria vine. The wisteria bark is peeled separately from the core into three or four thin layers and used for weaving. Because wisteria bark is soft, it does not damage grains. When woven together with the relatively hard shinodake bamboo, the two materials interlace tightly without leaving gaps.Overall, the smooth surface of the shinodake is placed on the inside, but the upper quarter of the basket is woven with the rougher inner side facing inward. This design helps to keep the grains near the front during sorting, while the remaining three-quarters of the surface allow the grains to slide smoothly.The outer rim is reinforced with a strip of mōsō bamboo. It is bound with cords made from the inner core of the wisteria vine, shaved thin into string-like strips.The horizontal shinodake strips are folded neatly and secured with wisteria bindings.Even at the very tip of the basket, the edge is tightly bound with the wisteria core. At the front end, the shinodake is bent over to protect the mōsō bamboo rim, reflecting the careful finishing typical of Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.For the Large size, additional wisteria reinforcement is added to the corners on the underside.
Now, let us introduce the four types in order.
This is the Small size, the smallest winnowing basket made in the region. Though compact, it is made to the same professional standard as larger models—just scaled down to a size that can be easily held in one hand, almost like a dustpan.This size fits neatly around the kitchen without taking up much space. It can hold vegetables that don’t need refrigeration, serve as a stand for flowers at the entrance, or be used as a casual storage basket for small items.This is the Medium size. It can be used not only for sorting or carrying grains but also for harvesting in a home garden.For gardening work—carrying tools, collecting leaves, or small branches—this size may be just right. For those who find the Large size too big but still want to use one outdoors, this Medium basket is recommended.This is the Large size—the most widely used among Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.It is used not only in agriculture but also by professionals such as confectioners, tea merchants, and manufacturers of plated or rubber products.This one is also Large in size, but with a copper plate reinforcing the tip of the basket. It is the most frequently used model.Over time, the tip of the basket may weaken from long use, and in response to user feedback, versions reinforced with copper or tin plates have been developed.Depending on the type of work, this reinforcement can significantly extend the lifespan of the basket—an important detail in professional use.
Kizumi’s winnowing baskets from Chiba are exceptionally lightweight and carefully made from start to finish— from material preparation to final assembly. Today, there are only about two artisans remaining who can produce the Large size for professional use, making these baskets increasingly rare.
Still in active use, these winnowing baskets remain reliable working tools. Please choose the size and type that best fits your needs.
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 traditional farming, the winnowing basket played an essential role— used for gathering, carrying, sorting, transferring, and drying crops. This particular type, made in Chiba Prefecture, was indispensable for farmers and for commercial use alike. It is commonly called “Kizumi’s Winnowing Basket,” named after the settlement where it is produced.
From the Kanto region to the Tokai area, these winnowing baskets made of wisteria and shinodake bamboo from Chiba were widely used. On this page, we introduce four variations of these wisteria-and-bamboo winnowing baskets made in Chiba, differing in size and type.
Harvested grains were placed inside and tossed upward to catch the wind, allowing dust and chaff to blow away. This motion, called hiru in Japanese, separated the good grains from the waste using only wind and hand movement—an ingenious method born from the wisdom of earlier generations.
Similar winnowing baskets, though sometimes round or differently shaped, can be found not only in Japan but also across Asia, around India, and in Africa.
The wisteria winnowing baskets made in Chiba have a flexible rim that bends slightly, allowing the user to hold the edge with both hands and narrow it to pour the grain neatly into a sack.
They can also be used for carrying harvested crops, or as drying baskets for sun-drying grains and other produce.
The construction method is generally the same across all types.
The horizontal weave is made from shinodake bamboo, while the vertical weave is done with the outer bark of wisteria vine. The wisteria bark is peeled separately from the core into three or four thin layers and used for weaving. Because wisteria bark is soft, it does not damage grains. When woven together with the relatively hard shinodake bamboo, the two materials interlace tightly without leaving gaps.Overall, the smooth surface of the shinodake is placed on the inside, but the upper quarter of the basket is woven with the rougher inner side facing inward. This design helps to keep the grains near the front during sorting, while the remaining three-quarters of the surface allow the grains to slide smoothly.The outer rim is reinforced with a strip of mōsō bamboo. It is bound with cords made from the inner core of the wisteria vine, shaved thin into string-like strips.The horizontal shinodake strips are folded neatly and secured with wisteria bindings.Even at the very tip of the basket, the edge is tightly bound with the wisteria core. At the front end, the shinodake is bent over to protect the mōsō bamboo rim, reflecting the careful finishing typical of Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.For the Large size, additional wisteria reinforcement is added to the corners on the underside.
Now, let us introduce the four types in order.
This is the Small size, the smallest winnowing basket made in the region. Though compact, it is made to the same professional standard as larger models—just scaled down to a size that can be easily held in one hand, almost like a dustpan.This size fits neatly around the kitchen without taking up much space. It can hold vegetables that don’t need refrigeration, serve as a stand for flowers at the entrance, or be used as a casual storage basket for small items.This is the Medium size. It can be used not only for sorting or carrying grains but also for harvesting in a home garden.For gardening work—carrying tools, collecting leaves, or small branches—this size may be just right. For those who find the Large size too big but still want to use one outdoors, this Medium basket is recommended.This is the Large size—the most widely used among Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.It is used not only in agriculture but also by professionals such as confectioners, tea merchants, and manufacturers of plated or rubber products.This one is also Large in size, but with a copper plate reinforcing the tip of the basket. It is the most frequently used model.Over time, the tip of the basket may weaken from long use, and in response to user feedback, versions reinforced with copper or tin plates have been developed.Depending on the type of work, this reinforcement can significantly extend the lifespan of the basket—an important detail in professional use.
Kizumi’s winnowing baskets from Chiba are exceptionally lightweight and carefully made from start to finish— from material preparation to final assembly. Today, there are only about two artisans remaining who can produce the Large size for professional use, making these baskets increasingly rare.
Still in active use, these winnowing baskets remain reliable working tools. Please choose the size and type that best fits your needs.
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 traditional farming, the winnowing basket played an essential role— used for gathering, carrying, sorting, transferring, and drying crops. This particular type, made in Chiba Prefecture, was indispensable for farmers and for commercial use alike. It is commonly called “Kizumi’s Winnowing Basket,” named after the settlement where it is produced.
From the Kanto region to the Tokai area, these winnowing baskets made of wisteria and shinodake bamboo from Chiba were widely used. On this page, we introduce four variations of these wisteria-and-bamboo winnowing baskets made in Chiba, differing in size and type.
Harvested grains were placed inside and tossed upward to catch the wind, allowing dust and chaff to blow away. This motion, called hiru in Japanese, separated the good grains from the waste using only wind and hand movement—an ingenious method born from the wisdom of earlier generations.
Similar winnowing baskets, though sometimes round or differently shaped, can be found not only in Japan but also across Asia, around India, and in Africa.
The wisteria winnowing baskets made in Chiba have a flexible rim that bends slightly, allowing the user to hold the edge with both hands and narrow it to pour the grain neatly into a sack.
They can also be used for carrying harvested crops, or as drying baskets for sun-drying grains and other produce.
The construction method is generally the same across all types.
The horizontal weave is made from shinodake bamboo, while the vertical weave is done with the outer bark of wisteria vine. The wisteria bark is peeled separately from the core into three or four thin layers and used for weaving. Because wisteria bark is soft, it does not damage grains. When woven together with the relatively hard shinodake bamboo, the two materials interlace tightly without leaving gaps.Overall, the smooth surface of the shinodake is placed on the inside, but the upper quarter of the basket is woven with the rougher inner side facing inward. This design helps to keep the grains near the front during sorting, while the remaining three-quarters of the surface allow the grains to slide smoothly.The outer rim is reinforced with a strip of mōsō bamboo. It is bound with cords made from the inner core of the wisteria vine, shaved thin into string-like strips.The horizontal shinodake strips are folded neatly and secured with wisteria bindings.Even at the very tip of the basket, the edge is tightly bound with the wisteria core. At the front end, the shinodake is bent over to protect the mōsō bamboo rim, reflecting the careful finishing typical of Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.For the Large size, additional wisteria reinforcement is added to the corners on the underside.
Now, let us introduce the four types in order.
This is the Small size, the smallest winnowing basket made in the region. Though compact, it is made to the same professional standard as larger models—just scaled down to a size that can be easily held in one hand, almost like a dustpan.This size fits neatly around the kitchen without taking up much space. It can hold vegetables that don’t need refrigeration, serve as a stand for flowers at the entrance, or be used as a casual storage basket for small items.This is the Medium size. It can be used not only for sorting or carrying grains but also for harvesting in a home garden.For gardening work—carrying tools, collecting leaves, or small branches—this size may be just right. For those who find the Large size too big but still want to use one outdoors, this Medium basket is recommended.This is the Large size—the most widely used among Kizumi’s winnowing baskets.It is used not only in agriculture but also by professionals such as confectioners, tea merchants, and manufacturers of plated or rubber products.This one is also Large in size, but with a copper plate reinforcing the tip of the basket. It is the most frequently used model.Over time, the tip of the basket may weaken from long use, and in response to user feedback, versions reinforced with copper or tin plates have been developed.Depending on the type of work, this reinforcement can significantly extend the lifespan of the basket—an important detail in professional use.
Kizumi’s winnowing baskets from Chiba are exceptionally lightweight and carefully made from start to finish— from material preparation to final assembly. Today, there are only about two artisans remaining who can produce the Large size for professional use, making these baskets increasingly rare.
Still in active use, these winnowing baskets remain reliable working tools. Please choose the size and type that best fits your needs.
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.
