This is a small, round basket made of white bamboo—
a material created by removing the natural oils and color
from green madake bamboo through boiling and sun-drying.
We affectionately call this charming series of compact baskets “Mame Kago.”
This page features the “Mutsume” Mini Basket.









This basket is small enough to rest in the palm of one hand.
It’s perfect for serving sweets during teatime.
The refreshing tone of white bamboo pairs beautifully with both Japanese and Western confections.

You can place yokan, daifuku, cookies, or chocolates in it.
It would also be lovely for serving a few snacks or small appetizers.
If you’re concerned about food crumbs or staining the basket,
placing a leaf or a thin wooden sheet underneath can help.
Of course, simply placing items directly and enjoying the beauty of the weave is just as nice.
By the entrance, it can hold small everyday items like stamps or keys.
In the kitchen, it could be a resting spot for garlic bulbs;
in the living room, a place for eyedrops or ointments you use daily.

The weave highlights the natural beauty of white bamboo.
Even when empty, it’s a joy to look at.
Though it’s tiny, the finish is as refined as that of a larger basket—it feels like a miniature treasure.
We often hear from artisans that even small baskets take just as much effort to make as larger ones.
Perhaps because of that, very few artisans create baskets in this size today.
This is a rare piece, crafted with exceptional quality.
We hope you’ll enjoy having this little piece close at hand.

From Beppu Back Home — Carrying on Bamboo Craft
In Beppu City, Ōita Prefecture, there is a vocational training center dedicated to bamboo craftsmanship.
Even today, about ten aspiring artisans graduate from the program each year.
These students come from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and with different goals,
each stepping into the world of bamboo with a unique story.
Still, making a living as a bamboo artisan in today’s world is far from easy.
With fewer people incorporating bamboo crafts into daily life, this remains a major challenge.
Even so, there are those who return to their hometowns after graduation and continue practicing the craft.
This artisan now works in Aichi Prefecture, creating with white bamboo sourced from Kyūshū.
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 small, round basket made of white bamboo—
a material created by removing the natural oils and color
from green madake bamboo through boiling and sun-drying.
We affectionately call this charming series of compact baskets “Mame Kago.”
This page features the “Mutsume” Mini Basket.









This basket is small enough to rest in the palm of one hand.
It’s perfect for serving sweets during teatime.
The refreshing tone of white bamboo pairs beautifully with both Japanese and Western confections.

You can place yokan, daifuku, cookies, or chocolates in it.
It would also be lovely for serving a few snacks or small appetizers.
If you’re concerned about food crumbs or staining the basket,
placing a leaf or a thin wooden sheet underneath can help.
Of course, simply placing items directly and enjoying the beauty of the weave is just as nice.
By the entrance, it can hold small everyday items like stamps or keys.
In the kitchen, it could be a resting spot for garlic bulbs;
in the living room, a place for eyedrops or ointments you use daily.

The weave highlights the natural beauty of white bamboo.
Even when empty, it’s a joy to look at.
Though it’s tiny, the finish is as refined as that of a larger basket—it feels like a miniature treasure.
We often hear from artisans that even small baskets take just as much effort to make as larger ones.
Perhaps because of that, very few artisans create baskets in this size today.
This is a rare piece, crafted with exceptional quality.
We hope you’ll enjoy having this little piece close at hand.

From Beppu Back Home — Carrying on Bamboo Craft
In Beppu City, Ōita Prefecture, there is a vocational training center dedicated to bamboo craftsmanship.
Even today, about ten aspiring artisans graduate from the program each year.
These students come from diverse backgrounds, age groups, and with different goals,
each stepping into the world of bamboo with a unique story.
Still, making a living as a bamboo artisan in today’s world is far from easy.
With fewer people incorporating bamboo crafts into daily life, this remains a major challenge.
Even so, there are those who return to their hometowns after graduation and continue practicing the craft.
This artisan now works in Aichi Prefecture, creating with white bamboo sourced from Kyūshū.
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.