This is a lidded basket made from Suzutake bamboo, known as “Kobunko.”
It is slightly larger than the lunch baskets we usually offer.
Among the standard lidded baskets made in the region, this is the third smallest size.
In Suzutake craft, baskets with separate lids and bodies like this require particularly advanced skills to make.

Lidded baskets made in this region using the traditional ajiro-ami weaving technique
used to be crafted in a wide range of sizes—from large storage trunks called kōri to small card cases—
by many skilled artisans.
Today, however, due to the decline in the number of weavers, only certain sizes are still being made.
















When used as a lunch basket, the breathable weave of this basket allows just the right amount of air circulation.
It helps keep rice balls from becoming too damp or too dry—leaving them moist and delicious.
For side dishes, we recommend including only those without excess moisture.
Some people use small containers or divider cups to hold the side items.
Rice balls can be placed directly into the basket without plastic wrap or foil.
This lets the bamboo’s natural breathability work to its fullest.
(Of course, if you’re concerned about smells or moisture—such as in the workplace or during commuting—you may still wrap them.)
If you expect leftover rice or food bits and won’t be able to clean it right away, you can line the basket with wax paper or cooking paper for easier cleanup.
After use, rinse with water and scrub gently with a brush.
Shake off excess water or wipe it with a towel.
If no oil is involved, you don’t need to use detergent.
Then, let it dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.


Beyond use as a lunch basket,
this piece is also great for storing books, stationery, or other small items.
You can even use the body and lid separately if you like.
Suzutake bamboo is known for its glossy surface, soft yet resilient texture, and overall durability.
One of its pleasures is the way it gradually deepens in color over time—
from pale green to a warm amber tone.
Even after years of use, washing it with water brings back a natural sheen to the surface,
a sign of just how exceptional the material is.
This is a basket you can enjoy for years to come—
one that grows more beautiful with age and use.

Suzutake Craft from Torigoe, Iwate Prefecture
Torigoe is a small village located in Ichinohe Town, Ninohe District, in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture.
It is well known as a traditional center of Suzutake bamboo craft.
The Suzutake bamboo that grows in the Torigoe region is said to be especially strong and flexible.
For over a thousand years, people in the area have used it to weave durable and practical baskets and tools.
However, since around 2015, many areas of Iwate have experienced a widespread dieback of Suzutake bamboo,
making it increasingly difficult to secure high-quality material.
Since then, sourcing good-quality material has become much more difficult,
making Suzutake craft even more precious today.
It is said that once every 120 years, the bamboo reaches the end of its life cycle,
produces small yellow flowers, and then dies off.
After that, it may take 10 to 20 years for new shoots to grow tall enough to be used in bamboo craft.
Even for the artisans who have worked with Suzutake for many years, this is an unprecedented challenge.
And yet, to keep their craft alive, they continue to walk the mountains carefully,
gathering what little bamboo they can find—
sometimes just a fraction of what was once available—and carrying on the tradition with care.
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 lidded basket made from Suzutake bamboo, known as “Kobunko.”
It is slightly larger than the lunch baskets we usually offer.
Among the standard lidded baskets made in the region, this is the third smallest size.
In Suzutake craft, baskets with separate lids and bodies like this require particularly advanced skills to make.

Lidded baskets made in this region using the traditional ajiro-ami weaving technique
used to be crafted in a wide range of sizes—from large storage trunks called kōri to small card cases—
by many skilled artisans.
Today, however, due to the decline in the number of weavers, only certain sizes are still being made.
















When used as a lunch basket, the breathable weave of this basket allows just the right amount of air circulation.
It helps keep rice balls from becoming too damp or too dry—leaving them moist and delicious.
For side dishes, we recommend including only those without excess moisture.
Some people use small containers or divider cups to hold the side items.
Rice balls can be placed directly into the basket without plastic wrap or foil.
This lets the bamboo’s natural breathability work to its fullest.
(Of course, if you’re concerned about smells or moisture—such as in the workplace or during commuting—you may still wrap them.)
If you expect leftover rice or food bits and won’t be able to clean it right away, you can line the basket with wax paper or cooking paper for easier cleanup.
After use, rinse with water and scrub gently with a brush.
Shake off excess water or wipe it with a towel.
If no oil is involved, you don’t need to use detergent.
Then, let it dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight.


Beyond use as a lunch basket,
this piece is also great for storing books, stationery, or other small items.
You can even use the body and lid separately if you like.
Suzutake bamboo is known for its glossy surface, soft yet resilient texture, and overall durability.
One of its pleasures is the way it gradually deepens in color over time—
from pale green to a warm amber tone.
Even after years of use, washing it with water brings back a natural sheen to the surface,
a sign of just how exceptional the material is.
This is a basket you can enjoy for years to come—
one that grows more beautiful with age and use.

Suzutake Craft from Torigoe, Iwate Prefecture
Torigoe is a small village located in Ichinohe Town, Ninohe District, in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture.
It is well known as a traditional center of Suzutake bamboo craft.
The Suzutake bamboo that grows in the Torigoe region is said to be especially strong and flexible.
For over a thousand years, people in the area have used it to weave durable and practical baskets and tools.
However, since around 2015, many areas of Iwate have experienced a widespread dieback of Suzutake bamboo,
making it increasingly difficult to secure high-quality material.
Since then, sourcing good-quality material has become much more difficult,
making Suzutake craft even more precious today.
It is said that once every 120 years, the bamboo reaches the end of its life cycle,
produces small yellow flowers, and then dies off.
After that, it may take 10 to 20 years for new shoots to grow tall enough to be used in bamboo craft.
Even for the artisans who have worked with Suzutake for many years, this is an unprecedented challenge.
And yet, to keep their craft alive, they continue to walk the mountains carefully,
gathering what little bamboo they can find—
sometimes just a fraction of what was once available—and carrying on the tradition with care.
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.