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 coaster is woven from madake bamboo, using two surface finishes:
white bamboo (treated to remove oils and color) and green bamboo.
While green bamboo is typically used in its raw, freshly cut state,
the version used here has gone through a process called “aburanuki.”

Aburanuki is a process in which round bamboo is heated to melt the wax on its surface, which is then wiped away with a cloth. When done with fire, it is referred to as dry aburanuki.
This brings out a glossy sheen on the bamboo surface and makes the material harder and more durable.
While fully treated bamboo becomes pale and is known as white bamboo, the blue bamboo used here still retains some of its natural oils and has a soft, pale green hue.
We’re told that this pale green color gradually fades over the years as the bamboo loses its remaining oils, eventually turning white.



















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.
Please choose the type that appeals 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 coaster is woven from madake bamboo, using two surface finishes:
white bamboo (treated to remove oils and color) and green bamboo.
While green bamboo is typically used in its raw, freshly cut state,
the version used here has gone through a process called “aburanuki.”

Aburanuki is a process in which round bamboo is heated to melt the wax on its surface, which is then wiped away with a cloth. When done with fire, it is referred to as dry aburanuki.
This brings out a glossy sheen on the bamboo surface and makes the material harder and more durable.
While fully treated bamboo becomes pale and is known as white bamboo, the blue bamboo used here still retains some of its natural oils and has a soft, pale green hue.
We’re told that this pale green color gradually fades over the years as the bamboo loses its remaining oils, eventually turning white.



















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.
Please choose the type that appeals 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.