This is a handwoven tote made from Suzutake bamboo. It is also commonly known as a “Market Basket.”
※Please note that due to the prolonged impact of bamboo shortages since 2015, some bamboo now shows uneven coloration, as seen in the photos below. This condition is expected to continue, and we appreciate your understanding.
Here is the current appearance of the bamboo strips used in recent arrivals. They still have a fresh greenish hue, but some parts show sun-darkened tones— purplish or blackish patches caused by exposure.The bamboo strips are prepared to a consistent length and width, then grouped into sets of three. These sets are woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.You may notice some purplish or dark-colored areas on the bamboo—this is a natural discoloration caused when the outer skin is peeled and the bamboo is exposed to sunlight. Please enjoy these variations as part of its organic character.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is tightly wrapped to secure the structure.Seen from above, the rim is precisely finished—rattan is wrapped tightly and evenly, leaving no gaps.The handle and rim are fastened together with hemp rope, and the handle is finished with an additional layer of rattan over the rope.Here is the connection point of the handle as seen from the inside of the basket.The handles are movable.They open this wide when placing items into the basket.The base of the basket includes three reinforcing strips of Madake bamboo, known as chikaradake.Please note that there may be individual variation in size. The width and depth may differ by approximately 0.79″ to 1.18″ depending on the item.This shows how it looks when held.Although the color of the bamboo strips may appear less uniform, the weaving technique and overall durability remain unchanged. It fully serves its purpose as a reliable market basket.
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 basket is great for everyday shopping, and when heading out for a picnic or camping, you can fill it with lunch, drinks, and ingredients, then load it straight into the car. It also comes in handy for travel and outings where you need to carry bulky items.
Of course, it also looks lovely simply used as a storage basket at home.
As its name suggests, this “Market Basket” is widely used by professional chefs who visit local markets daily to shop for fresh ingredients. It is built to be strong enough to carry plenty of vegetables, fish, or meat.
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 handwoven tote made from Suzutake bamboo. It is also commonly known as a “Market Basket.”
※Please note that due to the prolonged impact of bamboo shortages since 2015, some bamboo now shows uneven coloration, as seen in the photos below. This condition is expected to continue, and we appreciate your understanding.
Here is the current appearance of the bamboo strips used in recent arrivals. They still have a fresh greenish hue, but some parts show sun-darkened tones— purplish or blackish patches caused by exposure.The bamboo strips are prepared to a consistent length and width, then grouped into sets of three. These sets are woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.You may notice some purplish or dark-colored areas on the bamboo—this is a natural discoloration caused when the outer skin is peeled and the bamboo is exposed to sunlight. Please enjoy these variations as part of its organic character.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is tightly wrapped to secure the structure.Seen from above, the rim is precisely finished—rattan is wrapped tightly and evenly, leaving no gaps.The handle and rim are fastened together with hemp rope, and the handle is finished with an additional layer of rattan over the rope.Here is the connection point of the handle as seen from the inside of the basket.The handles are movable.They open this wide when placing items into the basket.The base of the basket includes three reinforcing strips of Madake bamboo, known as chikaradake.Please note that there may be individual variation in size. The width and depth may differ by approximately 0.79″ to 1.18″ depending on the item.This shows how it looks when held.Although the color of the bamboo strips may appear less uniform, the weaving technique and overall durability remain unchanged. It fully serves its purpose as a reliable market basket.
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 basket is great for everyday shopping, and when heading out for a picnic or camping, you can fill it with lunch, drinks, and ingredients, then load it straight into the car. It also comes in handy for travel and outings where you need to carry bulky items.
Of course, it also looks lovely simply used as a storage basket at home.
As its name suggests, this “Market Basket” is widely used by professional chefs who visit local markets daily to shop for fresh ingredients. It is built to be strong enough to carry plenty of vegetables, fish, or meat.
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 handwoven tote made from Suzutake bamboo. It is also commonly known as a “Market Basket.”
※Please note that due to the prolonged impact of bamboo shortages since 2015, some bamboo now shows uneven coloration, as seen in the photos below. This condition is expected to continue, and we appreciate your understanding.
Here is the current appearance of the bamboo strips used in recent arrivals. They still have a fresh greenish hue, but some parts show sun-darkened tones— purplish or blackish patches caused by exposure.The bamboo strips are prepared to a consistent length and width, then grouped into sets of three. These sets are woven together using the traditional ajiro-ami technique.You may notice some purplish or dark-colored areas on the bamboo—this is a natural discoloration caused when the outer skin is peeled and the bamboo is exposed to sunlight. Please enjoy these variations as part of its organic character.The rim is reinforced with a core of Madake bamboo, around which rattan is tightly wrapped to secure the structure.Seen from above, the rim is precisely finished—rattan is wrapped tightly and evenly, leaving no gaps.The handle and rim are fastened together with hemp rope, and the handle is finished with an additional layer of rattan over the rope.Here is the connection point of the handle as seen from the inside of the basket.The handles are movable.They open this wide when placing items into the basket.The base of the basket includes three reinforcing strips of Madake bamboo, known as chikaradake.Please note that there may be individual variation in size. The width and depth may differ by approximately 0.79″ to 1.18″ depending on the item.This shows how it looks when held.Although the color of the bamboo strips may appear less uniform, the weaving technique and overall durability remain unchanged. It fully serves its purpose as a reliable market basket.
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 basket is great for everyday shopping, and when heading out for a picnic or camping, you can fill it with lunch, drinks, and ingredients, then load it straight into the car. It also comes in handy for travel and outings where you need to carry bulky items.
Of course, it also looks lovely simply used as a storage basket at home.
As its name suggests, this “Market Basket” is widely used by professional chefs who visit local markets daily to shop for fresh ingredients. It is built to be strong enough to carry plenty of vegetables, fish, or meat.
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.
