The Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Oita, has long been dedicated to training people to make a living through bamboo craftsmanship.
After graduating from the center, some artisans return to their hometowns and continue working with bamboo in their own communities.
While all students follow the same curriculum during their training, what each person chooses to focus on after completion becomes an important part of their individual journey in the craft.
The artisan featured here has chosen to specialize in just two forms: coasters and round basket trays—pursuing the possibilities of bamboo work through these shapes.
You might think two types is not very many, but within those two forms are countless possibilities— reflected in the variety of weaving patterns and the skillful combinations of bamboo materials.
This page features coasters made from a variety of bamboo types: white bamboo (madake bamboo that has been treated to remove oils and color), green bamboo (raw madake), and hachiku, known for its flexibility.
From left to right, there are three types: “Sukashi Ajiro,” “Asanoha,” and “Kikkō.”All three share the same size and structural specifications.This is the back side. It is also carefully finished, with a soft, pleasant texture.A thick strip of bamboo is placed around the edge, and it is tightly secured in place with wrapped rattan.Let us now introduce each type.This is the “Asanoha” type.A traditional Japanese weaving pattern resembling overlapping hemp leaves, this coaster is made using hachiku bamboo.It features an airy, refreshing look.This is the “Kikkō” type.It uses the kikkō-ami, named for its hexagonal shape that resembles a turtle shell. In this version, white and green bamboo are combined at random, with three strips bundled together for each segment.Perfect for serving iced tea—the glossy surface of the coaster adds a beautiful touch.This is the “Sukashi Ajiro” type.It features ajiro-ami, a weave with slight spacing between strips. This version also combines white and green bamboo at random, and has a sturdy construction.It can also be used like a small saucer under a teacup. Whether for mugs, beer glasses, or other vessels, it naturally accommodates them all.
The refreshing tone of bamboo enhances the charm of any vessel—glass, ceramic, or otherwise.
Tea, coffee, black tea, water, juice, sake—whatever the drink, placing a coaster beneath adds charm to the table and may even elevate the way it tastes.
For daily care, simply wipe away any moisture or stains with a well-wrung damp cloth after use. If dirt becomes noticeable, you can rinse it with water using a scrubbing brush or sponge, then dry it thoroughly.
After washing, be sure to dry it completely before storing it in a drawer or cabinet.
Even when not used as a coaster, it can be hung on the wall to enjoy the woven pattern as a decorative piece.
Choose the type that speaks to you.
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.
The Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Oita, has long been dedicated to training people to make a living through bamboo craftsmanship.
After graduating from the center, some artisans return to their hometowns and continue working with bamboo in their own communities.
While all students follow the same curriculum during their training, what each person chooses to focus on after completion becomes an important part of their individual journey in the craft.
The artisan featured here has chosen to specialize in just two forms: coasters and round basket trays—pursuing the possibilities of bamboo work through these shapes.
You might think two types is not very many, but within those two forms are countless possibilities— reflected in the variety of weaving patterns and the skillful combinations of bamboo materials.
This page features coasters made from a variety of bamboo types: white bamboo (madake bamboo that has been treated to remove oils and color), green bamboo (raw madake), and hachiku, known for its flexibility.
From left to right, there are three types: “Sukashi Ajiro,” “Asanoha,” and “Kikkō.”All three share the same size and structural specifications.This is the back side. It is also carefully finished, with a soft, pleasant texture.A thick strip of bamboo is placed around the edge, and it is tightly secured in place with wrapped rattan.Let us now introduce each type.This is the “Asanoha” type.A traditional Japanese weaving pattern resembling overlapping hemp leaves, this coaster is made using hachiku bamboo.It features an airy, refreshing look.This is the “Kikkō” type.It uses the kikkō-ami, named for its hexagonal shape that resembles a turtle shell. In this version, white and green bamboo are combined at random, with three strips bundled together for each segment.Perfect for serving iced tea—the glossy surface of the coaster adds a beautiful touch.This is the “Sukashi Ajiro” type.It features ajiro-ami, a weave with slight spacing between strips. This version also combines white and green bamboo at random, and has a sturdy construction.It can also be used like a small saucer under a teacup. Whether for mugs, beer glasses, or other vessels, it naturally accommodates them all.
The refreshing tone of bamboo enhances the charm of any vessel—glass, ceramic, or otherwise.
Tea, coffee, black tea, water, juice, sake—whatever the drink, placing a coaster beneath adds charm to the table and may even elevate the way it tastes.
For daily care, simply wipe away any moisture or stains with a well-wrung damp cloth after use. If dirt becomes noticeable, you can rinse it with water using a scrubbing brush or sponge, then dry it thoroughly.
After washing, be sure to dry it completely before storing it in a drawer or cabinet.
Even when not used as a coaster, it can be hung on the wall to enjoy the woven pattern as a decorative piece.
Choose the type that speaks to you.
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.
The Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu, Oita, has long been dedicated to training people to make a living through bamboo craftsmanship.
After graduating from the center, some artisans return to their hometowns and continue working with bamboo in their own communities.
While all students follow the same curriculum during their training, what each person chooses to focus on after completion becomes an important part of their individual journey in the craft.
The artisan featured here has chosen to specialize in just two forms: coasters and round basket trays—pursuing the possibilities of bamboo work through these shapes.
You might think two types is not very many, but within those two forms are countless possibilities— reflected in the variety of weaving patterns and the skillful combinations of bamboo materials.
This page features coasters made from a variety of bamboo types: white bamboo (madake bamboo that has been treated to remove oils and color), green bamboo (raw madake), and hachiku, known for its flexibility.
From left to right, there are three types: “Sukashi Ajiro,” “Asanoha,” and “Kikkō.”All three share the same size and structural specifications.This is the back side. It is also carefully finished, with a soft, pleasant texture.A thick strip of bamboo is placed around the edge, and it is tightly secured in place with wrapped rattan.Let us now introduce each type.This is the “Asanoha” type.A traditional Japanese weaving pattern resembling overlapping hemp leaves, this coaster is made using hachiku bamboo.It features an airy, refreshing look.This is the “Kikkō” type.It uses the kikkō-ami, named for its hexagonal shape that resembles a turtle shell. In this version, white and green bamboo are combined at random, with three strips bundled together for each segment.Perfect for serving iced tea—the glossy surface of the coaster adds a beautiful touch.This is the “Sukashi Ajiro” type.It features ajiro-ami, a weave with slight spacing between strips. This version also combines white and green bamboo at random, and has a sturdy construction.It can also be used like a small saucer under a teacup. Whether for mugs, beer glasses, or other vessels, it naturally accommodates them all.
The refreshing tone of bamboo enhances the charm of any vessel—glass, ceramic, or otherwise.
Tea, coffee, black tea, water, juice, sake—whatever the drink, placing a coaster beneath adds charm to the table and may even elevate the way it tastes.
For daily care, simply wipe away any moisture or stains with a well-wrung damp cloth after use. If dirt becomes noticeable, you can rinse it with water using a scrubbing brush or sponge, then dry it thoroughly.
After washing, be sure to dry it completely before storing it in a drawer or cabinet.
Even when not used as a coaster, it can be hung on the wall to enjoy the woven pattern as a decorative piece.
Choose the type that speaks to you.
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.
