This is an oval strainer with handles, handwoven from Suzutake bamboo. Even among oval-shaped baskets, the finish varies slightly depending on the artisan. For this reason, we categorize them into Types A, B, C, and D.
This page introduces the Type D version. The alphabetical labels (A, B, etc.) simply indicate shape differences based on the maker. They do not reflect any ranking in terms of quality or craftsmanship.
The Type D oval strainer comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
All types share the same weaving technique and rim construction.Thin strips of Suzutake bamboo are used, with the glossy outer skin facing upward, and woven in the gozame-ami (mat-style) pattern.The rim is finished with a strong wrapping technique called yahazu-maki.Even the core of the rim is made from Suzutake, and additional strips are wrapped around it to complete the edge.Handles are attached at both ends of the oval shape.They allow for easy carrying or hanging with an S-hook. When viewed from the underside, you can see how the vertical strips are folded back and woven into the horizontal structure to complete the form.Here is a view of the entire underside. The inner side of the bamboo (the more fibrous surface) faces outward here, but the weave is just as neat and well-constructed.The three sizes can be stacked neatly together. When nested, they store compactly and save space.This is the Small size. Please note that there may be some individual variation in dimensions—typically around 0.39″ to 0.79″.It is suitable for holding one serving of noodles such as soba.This is the Medium size. It also shows individual variation of about 0.39″ to 0.79″ in size.It can hold enough for about two to three servings of noodles.This is the Large size. As with the others, there may be individual variation of approximately 0.39″ to 0.79″.It can accommodate approximately three to four servings of noodles.Among the four types, Type D falls in the middle in terms of size. It has a classic, balanced form that many people imagine when thinking of a handled oval strainer—a dependable and straightforward design that offers a sense of assurance.In some areas, the bamboo may show purplish discoloration like this. This is a natural color variation that occurs during growth, when sunlight reaches the stalk through gaps in the outer skin. Due to bamboo shortages, such pieces may appear more frequently. Please rest assured that these are not defects.
You can use it not only for serving soba or udon, but also as a plate for bread or rice balls, or to present sweets on the table.
In its region of origin, this type is often simply called a strainer or moriki (serving tray), reflecting its versatile role in daily life.
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.
With its distinctive shape and ease of use, this is a piece that fits comfortably in the hand and will serve you well for many years. Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
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 an oval strainer with handles, handwoven from Suzutake bamboo. Even among oval-shaped baskets, the finish varies slightly depending on the artisan. For this reason, we categorize them into Types A, B, C, and D.
This page introduces the Type D version. The alphabetical labels (A, B, etc.) simply indicate shape differences based on the maker. They do not reflect any ranking in terms of quality or craftsmanship.
The Type D oval strainer comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
All types share the same weaving technique and rim construction.Thin strips of Suzutake bamboo are used, with the glossy outer skin facing upward, and woven in the gozame-ami (mat-style) pattern.The rim is finished with a strong wrapping technique called yahazu-maki.Even the core of the rim is made from Suzutake, and additional strips are wrapped around it to complete the edge.Handles are attached at both ends of the oval shape.They allow for easy carrying or hanging with an S-hook. When viewed from the underside, you can see how the vertical strips are folded back and woven into the horizontal structure to complete the form.Here is a view of the entire underside. The inner side of the bamboo (the more fibrous surface) faces outward here, but the weave is just as neat and well-constructed.The three sizes can be stacked neatly together. When nested, they store compactly and save space.This is the Small size. Please note that there may be some individual variation in dimensions—typically around 0.39″ to 0.79″.It is suitable for holding one serving of noodles such as soba.This is the Medium size. It also shows individual variation of about 0.39″ to 0.79″ in size.It can hold enough for about two to three servings of noodles.This is the Large size. As with the others, there may be individual variation of approximately 0.39″ to 0.79″.It can accommodate approximately three to four servings of noodles.Among the four types, Type D falls in the middle in terms of size. It has a classic, balanced form that many people imagine when thinking of a handled oval strainer—a dependable and straightforward design that offers a sense of assurance.In some areas, the bamboo may show purplish discoloration like this. This is a natural color variation that occurs during growth, when sunlight reaches the stalk through gaps in the outer skin. Due to bamboo shortages, such pieces may appear more frequently. Please rest assured that these are not defects.
You can use it not only for serving soba or udon, but also as a plate for bread or rice balls, or to present sweets on the table.
In its region of origin, this type is often simply called a strainer or moriki (serving tray), reflecting its versatile role in daily life.
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.
With its distinctive shape and ease of use, this is a piece that fits comfortably in the hand and will serve you well for many years. Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
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 an oval strainer with handles, handwoven from Suzutake bamboo. Even among oval-shaped baskets, the finish varies slightly depending on the artisan. For this reason, we categorize them into Types A, B, C, and D.
This page introduces the Type D version. The alphabetical labels (A, B, etc.) simply indicate shape differences based on the maker. They do not reflect any ranking in terms of quality or craftsmanship.
The Type D oval strainer comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
All types share the same weaving technique and rim construction.Thin strips of Suzutake bamboo are used, with the glossy outer skin facing upward, and woven in the gozame-ami (mat-style) pattern.The rim is finished with a strong wrapping technique called yahazu-maki.Even the core of the rim is made from Suzutake, and additional strips are wrapped around it to complete the edge.Handles are attached at both ends of the oval shape.They allow for easy carrying or hanging with an S-hook. When viewed from the underside, you can see how the vertical strips are folded back and woven into the horizontal structure to complete the form.Here is a view of the entire underside. The inner side of the bamboo (the more fibrous surface) faces outward here, but the weave is just as neat and well-constructed.The three sizes can be stacked neatly together. When nested, they store compactly and save space.This is the Small size. Please note that there may be some individual variation in dimensions—typically around 0.39″ to 0.79″.It is suitable for holding one serving of noodles such as soba.This is the Medium size. It also shows individual variation of about 0.39″ to 0.79″ in size.It can hold enough for about two to three servings of noodles.This is the Large size. As with the others, there may be individual variation of approximately 0.39″ to 0.79″.It can accommodate approximately three to four servings of noodles.Among the four types, Type D falls in the middle in terms of size. It has a classic, balanced form that many people imagine when thinking of a handled oval strainer—a dependable and straightforward design that offers a sense of assurance.In some areas, the bamboo may show purplish discoloration like this. This is a natural color variation that occurs during growth, when sunlight reaches the stalk through gaps in the outer skin. Due to bamboo shortages, such pieces may appear more frequently. Please rest assured that these are not defects.
You can use it not only for serving soba or udon, but also as a plate for bread or rice balls, or to present sweets on the table.
In its region of origin, this type is often simply called a strainer or moriki (serving tray), reflecting its versatile role in daily life.
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.
With its distinctive shape and ease of use, this is a piece that fits comfortably in the hand and will serve you well for many years. Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
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.
