This is a tall-style tote made from Suzutake bamboo— slightly taller than standard handwoven baskets of similar form.
It features a Premium finish, crafted from high-quality bamboo strips.
Among Suzutake materials, only the finest strips are selected, then trimmed to a consistent length and thickness. These are grouped in pairs and woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.This particular tote is distinguished by especially thin and slender bamboo strips, resulting in a finer weave and a more delicate finish.The weaving is beautifully uniform throughout. In the Premium grade, the bamboo used is paler in tone, glossier in appearance, and carefully selected for minimal surface fraying.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is carefully wrapped and secured.Rattan with the outer skin intact is used for the rim wrapping. It is tightly and evenly applied, with no gaps, and forms a clean oval shape.Here is the connection point between the rim and the handles. This section is also secured with rattan, and reinforced with stainless steel wire for added strength.The stainless steel wire is covered with a layer of Suzutake to keep it from standing out. This gives the basket a clean appearance and a sense of security, as the joint is supported by three materials: stainless steel, bamboo, and rattan.The handles are fixed in place and wrapped with rattan bark. They have a smooth, pleasant texture to the touch.Without applying force, the handles naturally open to about this width.The base is woven just as firmly as the sides, using pairs of bamboo strips throughout. Three reinforcing strips (chikaradake) run along the bottom, providing excellent strength.The interior of the basket is also beautifully finished.Here is a visual reference of how it looks when held.This is a slim, narrow type, which makes it easy to carry close to the body without feeling bulky.One of Suzutake’s charms is that it’s both lightweight and durable. This tall-style tote has a surprisingly good capacity for a slim basket, yet still feels light and comfortable even when filled.
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 tote features a graceful oval curve and a poised, upright silhouette that leaves a lasting impression.
Its light, natural tone pairs well with a variety of outfits, making it a timeless piece you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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 tall-style tote made from Suzutake bamboo— slightly taller than standard handwoven baskets of similar form.
It features a Premium finish, crafted from high-quality bamboo strips.
Among Suzutake materials, only the finest strips are selected, then trimmed to a consistent length and thickness. These are grouped in pairs and woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.This particular tote is distinguished by especially thin and slender bamboo strips, resulting in a finer weave and a more delicate finish.The weaving is beautifully uniform throughout. In the Premium grade, the bamboo used is paler in tone, glossier in appearance, and carefully selected for minimal surface fraying.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is carefully wrapped and secured.Rattan with the outer skin intact is used for the rim wrapping. It is tightly and evenly applied, with no gaps, and forms a clean oval shape.Here is the connection point between the rim and the handles. This section is also secured with rattan, and reinforced with stainless steel wire for added strength.The stainless steel wire is covered with a layer of Suzutake to keep it from standing out. This gives the basket a clean appearance and a sense of security, as the joint is supported by three materials: stainless steel, bamboo, and rattan.The handles are fixed in place and wrapped with rattan bark. They have a smooth, pleasant texture to the touch.Without applying force, the handles naturally open to about this width.The base is woven just as firmly as the sides, using pairs of bamboo strips throughout. Three reinforcing strips (chikaradake) run along the bottom, providing excellent strength.The interior of the basket is also beautifully finished.Here is a visual reference of how it looks when held.This is a slim, narrow type, which makes it easy to carry close to the body without feeling bulky.One of Suzutake’s charms is that it’s both lightweight and durable. This tall-style tote has a surprisingly good capacity for a slim basket, yet still feels light and comfortable even when filled.
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 tote features a graceful oval curve and a poised, upright silhouette that leaves a lasting impression.
Its light, natural tone pairs well with a variety of outfits, making it a timeless piece you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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 tall-style tote made from Suzutake bamboo— slightly taller than standard handwoven baskets of similar form.
It features a Premium finish, crafted from high-quality bamboo strips.
Among Suzutake materials, only the finest strips are selected, then trimmed to a consistent length and thickness. These are grouped in pairs and woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.This particular tote is distinguished by especially thin and slender bamboo strips, resulting in a finer weave and a more delicate finish.The weaving is beautifully uniform throughout. In the Premium grade, the bamboo used is paler in tone, glossier in appearance, and carefully selected for minimal surface fraying.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is carefully wrapped and secured.Rattan with the outer skin intact is used for the rim wrapping. It is tightly and evenly applied, with no gaps, and forms a clean oval shape.Here is the connection point between the rim and the handles. This section is also secured with rattan, and reinforced with stainless steel wire for added strength.The stainless steel wire is covered with a layer of Suzutake to keep it from standing out. This gives the basket a clean appearance and a sense of security, as the joint is supported by three materials: stainless steel, bamboo, and rattan.The handles are fixed in place and wrapped with rattan bark. They have a smooth, pleasant texture to the touch.Without applying force, the handles naturally open to about this width.The base is woven just as firmly as the sides, using pairs of bamboo strips throughout. Three reinforcing strips (chikaradake) run along the bottom, providing excellent strength.The interior of the basket is also beautifully finished.Here is a visual reference of how it looks when held.This is a slim, narrow type, which makes it easy to carry close to the body without feeling bulky.One of Suzutake’s charms is that it’s both lightweight and durable. This tall-style tote has a surprisingly good capacity for a slim basket, yet still feels light and comfortable even when filled.
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 tote features a graceful oval curve and a poised, upright silhouette that leaves a lasting impression.
Its light, natural tone pairs well with a variety of outfits, making it a timeless piece you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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.
