Once called the former Iyo Province, the region is now known as Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
Even today, Ehime is commonly divided into three broad areas—Southern, Central, and Eastern—each with its own cultural distinctions. Bamboo craft in the region is primarily practiced using bamboo harvested in and around Ōzu City, which lies in the southern part.
In the Central area, particularly around Matsuyama City—famous for Dōgo Onsen—yukago, or bath baskets, are well known. However, traditional bamboo crafts once known as Iyo bamboo craft have become increasingly rare in recent years.
At the same time, a new generation is bringing fresh energy to the world of bamboo craft.
One such craftsperson studied bamboo work at the Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture. After completing their training, they returned to their hometown in Ehime and are now working to revitalize bamboo craft in both Ehime and across Shikoku.
Their baskets reflect a clear and powerful sense of purpose. Each one is solidly built and dependable—crafted with strength and conviction.
This page features a placemat made of white bamboo.White bamboo refers to green madake bamboo that has been boiled or sun-dried to remove oils and moisture, leaving it with a light, clean tone. This process helps refine the color, harden the material, and reduce the risk of insect damage.It is woven using the yotsume-ami (square weave) technique, in which four fine strips of bamboo are laid side by side and interlaced vertically and horizontally.The edge is reinforced with thicker bamboo strips, sandwiched front and back around the woven body, and secured with rattan ties in a decorative yamato-musubi (Yamato knot).Each corner is fastened with bamboo nails. Thanks to the firm construction of the edge, the entire piece feels stable and well-structured.Here is the back side. The outer bamboo skin appears on the front, while the softer inner side is visible on the reverse. The weave is uniform and neatly finished, even on the back, giving it a subtle sheen.It sits flat on the table with no wobble, offering a steady, refined presence.How about using this as a placemat for your everyday table?Just by placing it beneath your dishes, it adds to the atmosphere of the meal and subtly enhances the flavors.You can also treat it as a large serving plate—laying down leaves and arranging your food directly on top.It pairs well not only with Japanese cuisine, but also with Western and Southeast Asian meals.Place an ochoko, a tokkuri, and a few small appetizers on it for a cozy evening drink—what a lovely setting that would be.It’s also perfect for tea time when you just want a quiet moment to relax.The soft sheen of white bamboo in the light is something you could gaze at forever without growing tired.
The madake bamboo used for this mat doesn’t always grow in straight lines. Each piece has its own character—bending slightly at the nodes, or with subtle curves in the grain. Because of this, when flattened into board-like strips for a placemat like this one, the surface may sometimes warp or sit unevenly.
This piece, however, is made with carefully selected bamboo that’s suitable for flat construction, and its edge is firmly built—giving it a well-balanced and stable finish.
It also works beautifully as a base for placing a flower vase.
This white bamboo placemat has a calm, understated tone with a quiet warmth. Over time, it will gradually take on a deeper amber color and develop a soft, natural sheen—another quiet joy of using it daily.
It brings a gentle beauty to everyday meals, and will surely add a subtle charm to special occasions and lively gatherings as well.
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.
Once called the former Iyo Province, the region is now known as Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
Even today, Ehime is commonly divided into three broad areas—Southern, Central, and Eastern—each with its own cultural distinctions. Bamboo craft in the region is primarily practiced using bamboo harvested in and around Ōzu City, which lies in the southern part.
In the Central area, particularly around Matsuyama City—famous for Dōgo Onsen—yukago, or bath baskets, are well known. However, traditional bamboo crafts once known as Iyo bamboo craft have become increasingly rare in recent years.
At the same time, a new generation is bringing fresh energy to the world of bamboo craft.
One such craftsperson studied bamboo work at the Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture. After completing their training, they returned to their hometown in Ehime and are now working to revitalize bamboo craft in both Ehime and across Shikoku.
Their baskets reflect a clear and powerful sense of purpose. Each one is solidly built and dependable—crafted with strength and conviction.
This page features a placemat made of white bamboo.White bamboo refers to green madake bamboo that has been boiled or sun-dried to remove oils and moisture, leaving it with a light, clean tone. This process helps refine the color, harden the material, and reduce the risk of insect damage.It is woven using the yotsume-ami (square weave) technique, in which four fine strips of bamboo are laid side by side and interlaced vertically and horizontally.The edge is reinforced with thicker bamboo strips, sandwiched front and back around the woven body, and secured with rattan ties in a decorative yamato-musubi (Yamato knot).Each corner is fastened with bamboo nails. Thanks to the firm construction of the edge, the entire piece feels stable and well-structured.Here is the back side. The outer bamboo skin appears on the front, while the softer inner side is visible on the reverse. The weave is uniform and neatly finished, even on the back, giving it a subtle sheen.It sits flat on the table with no wobble, offering a steady, refined presence.How about using this as a placemat for your everyday table?Just by placing it beneath your dishes, it adds to the atmosphere of the meal and subtly enhances the flavors.You can also treat it as a large serving plate—laying down leaves and arranging your food directly on top.It pairs well not only with Japanese cuisine, but also with Western and Southeast Asian meals.Place an ochoko, a tokkuri, and a few small appetizers on it for a cozy evening drink—what a lovely setting that would be.It’s also perfect for tea time when you just want a quiet moment to relax.The soft sheen of white bamboo in the light is something you could gaze at forever without growing tired.
The madake bamboo used for this mat doesn’t always grow in straight lines. Each piece has its own character—bending slightly at the nodes, or with subtle curves in the grain. Because of this, when flattened into board-like strips for a placemat like this one, the surface may sometimes warp or sit unevenly.
This piece, however, is made with carefully selected bamboo that’s suitable for flat construction, and its edge is firmly built—giving it a well-balanced and stable finish.
It also works beautifully as a base for placing a flower vase.
This white bamboo placemat has a calm, understated tone with a quiet warmth. Over time, it will gradually take on a deeper amber color and develop a soft, natural sheen—another quiet joy of using it daily.
It brings a gentle beauty to everyday meals, and will surely add a subtle charm to special occasions and lively gatherings as well.
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.
Once called the former Iyo Province, the region is now known as Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku.
Even today, Ehime is commonly divided into three broad areas—Southern, Central, and Eastern—each with its own cultural distinctions. Bamboo craft in the region is primarily practiced using bamboo harvested in and around Ōzu City, which lies in the southern part.
In the Central area, particularly around Matsuyama City—famous for Dōgo Onsen—yukago, or bath baskets, are well known. However, traditional bamboo crafts once known as Iyo bamboo craft have become increasingly rare in recent years.
At the same time, a new generation is bringing fresh energy to the world of bamboo craft.
One such craftsperson studied bamboo work at the Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Ōita Prefecture. After completing their training, they returned to their hometown in Ehime and are now working to revitalize bamboo craft in both Ehime and across Shikoku.
Their baskets reflect a clear and powerful sense of purpose. Each one is solidly built and dependable—crafted with strength and conviction.
This page features a placemat made of white bamboo.White bamboo refers to green madake bamboo that has been boiled or sun-dried to remove oils and moisture, leaving it with a light, clean tone. This process helps refine the color, harden the material, and reduce the risk of insect damage.It is woven using the yotsume-ami (square weave) technique, in which four fine strips of bamboo are laid side by side and interlaced vertically and horizontally.The edge is reinforced with thicker bamboo strips, sandwiched front and back around the woven body, and secured with rattan ties in a decorative yamato-musubi (Yamato knot).Each corner is fastened with bamboo nails. Thanks to the firm construction of the edge, the entire piece feels stable and well-structured.Here is the back side. The outer bamboo skin appears on the front, while the softer inner side is visible on the reverse. The weave is uniform and neatly finished, even on the back, giving it a subtle sheen.It sits flat on the table with no wobble, offering a steady, refined presence.How about using this as a placemat for your everyday table?Just by placing it beneath your dishes, it adds to the atmosphere of the meal and subtly enhances the flavors.You can also treat it as a large serving plate—laying down leaves and arranging your food directly on top.It pairs well not only with Japanese cuisine, but also with Western and Southeast Asian meals.Place an ochoko, a tokkuri, and a few small appetizers on it for a cozy evening drink—what a lovely setting that would be.It’s also perfect for tea time when you just want a quiet moment to relax.The soft sheen of white bamboo in the light is something you could gaze at forever without growing tired.
The madake bamboo used for this mat doesn’t always grow in straight lines. Each piece has its own character—bending slightly at the nodes, or with subtle curves in the grain. Because of this, when flattened into board-like strips for a placemat like this one, the surface may sometimes warp or sit unevenly.
This piece, however, is made with carefully selected bamboo that’s suitable for flat construction, and its edge is firmly built—giving it a well-balanced and stable finish.
It also works beautifully as a base for placing a flower vase.
This white bamboo placemat has a calm, understated tone with a quiet warmth. Over time, it will gradually take on a deeper amber color and develop a soft, natural sheen—another quiet joy of using it daily.
It brings a gentle beauty to everyday meals, and will surely add a subtle charm to special occasions and lively gatherings as well.
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.
