This is a small spherical basket made from Matatabi vine.
Matatabi vine is well known in Japan and belongs to the same family as the kiwi fruit. When you cut its fruit open, the arrangement of the seeds looks remarkably similar. It grows wild on mountain slopes and is known for being very labor-intensive to harvest. The branches are harvested in autumn, then dried before being used for weaving.
The overall weave is tight and dense, with few gaps. This version keeps part of the natural bark on the vine and contains dried Matatabi vine fruits inside, making it especially rich in aroma.In its production region, it is known as a “cat toy” or “Matatabi ball.”The branches retain a slight greenish hue, and you can almost sense the fragrance. Matatabi vine is famous for its appeal to cats, especially Japanese breeds, and is often used to make toys for them.It is a relatively soft and flexible material. In regions where bamboo is scarce—such as Oku-Aizu in Fukushima and parts of Yamagata—it has long been used to make household baskets and strainers. Unlike products that simply include Matatabi vine powder, this piece itself is made entirely from Matatabi vine.Inside are multiple dried Matatabi vine fruits. When you shake the ball, you can hear the faint rustling sound of the fruit inside.
Some cats may react very strongly, so please follow the guidelines below when playing.
・Use only under supervision, as some cats may act intoxicated or overexcited. ・Some cats may show no interest at all. ・Store out of reach when not in use. ・The natural fragrance will fade gradually over time. ・Do not allow prolonged play sessions. ・We cannot accept returns based on the cat’s reaction or lack of interest. ・If a strip comes loose, simply press or weave it back into place. ・You may thread a string through the weave to hang or attach it as you like. ・Some bark may flake off, and small cracks may appear due to drying—these are natural and not defects.
It fits comfortably within both hands and is easy to handle.
Freshly delivered pieces from the region carry a noticeable fragrance, even to the human nose. The texture and appearance reflect the true character of Matatabi vine growing in the mountains. Please enjoy playful moments with your cat and the natural scent of the mountains at home.
Forms that captivate, born from the rich materials of Yamagata
Using a variety of mountain materials—Grapevine, walnut, Akebi, and Matatabi— Kaoru Saito creates a succession of unique forms rarely seen elsewhere, as well as refined basketry that quietly draws the eye.
For many years, she has gone into the mountains herself to gather materials, carrying out every step of the process from the very beginning.
In fact, Kaoru is also a highly skilled maker capable of producing finely woven Grapevine tote baskets of exceptional quality. The accessories and ornaments she creates from multiple materials all carry a sense of considered beauty, while also reflecting playfulness and thoughtful attention to the user.
She has a deep understanding of each material, and is also a user herself, incorporating baskets, accessories, and small objects into her daily life.
Listening closely to the voices of those who use her work, she continues to explore how pieces can be made more comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable to use.
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 spherical basket made from Matatabi vine.
Matatabi vine is well known in Japan and belongs to the same family as the kiwi fruit. When you cut its fruit open, the arrangement of the seeds looks remarkably similar. It grows wild on mountain slopes and is known for being very labor-intensive to harvest. The branches are harvested in autumn, then dried before being used for weaving.
The overall weave is tight and dense, with few gaps. This version keeps part of the natural bark on the vine and contains dried Matatabi vine fruits inside, making it especially rich in aroma.In its production region, it is known as a “cat toy” or “Matatabi ball.”The branches retain a slight greenish hue, and you can almost sense the fragrance. Matatabi vine is famous for its appeal to cats, especially Japanese breeds, and is often used to make toys for them.It is a relatively soft and flexible material. In regions where bamboo is scarce—such as Oku-Aizu in Fukushima and parts of Yamagata—it has long been used to make household baskets and strainers. Unlike products that simply include Matatabi vine powder, this piece itself is made entirely from Matatabi vine.Inside are multiple dried Matatabi vine fruits. When you shake the ball, you can hear the faint rustling sound of the fruit inside.
Some cats may react very strongly, so please follow the guidelines below when playing.
・Use only under supervision, as some cats may act intoxicated or overexcited. ・Some cats may show no interest at all. ・Store out of reach when not in use. ・The natural fragrance will fade gradually over time. ・Do not allow prolonged play sessions. ・We cannot accept returns based on the cat’s reaction or lack of interest. ・If a strip comes loose, simply press or weave it back into place. ・You may thread a string through the weave to hang or attach it as you like. ・Some bark may flake off, and small cracks may appear due to drying—these are natural and not defects.
It fits comfortably within both hands and is easy to handle.
Freshly delivered pieces from the region carry a noticeable fragrance, even to the human nose. The texture and appearance reflect the true character of Matatabi vine growing in the mountains. Please enjoy playful moments with your cat and the natural scent of the mountains at home.
Forms that captivate, born from the rich materials of Yamagata
Using a variety of mountain materials—Grapevine, walnut, Akebi, and Matatabi— Kaoru Saito creates a succession of unique forms rarely seen elsewhere, as well as refined basketry that quietly draws the eye.
For many years, she has gone into the mountains herself to gather materials, carrying out every step of the process from the very beginning.
In fact, Kaoru is also a highly skilled maker capable of producing finely woven Grapevine tote baskets of exceptional quality. The accessories and ornaments she creates from multiple materials all carry a sense of considered beauty, while also reflecting playfulness and thoughtful attention to the user.
She has a deep understanding of each material, and is also a user herself, incorporating baskets, accessories, and small objects into her daily life.
Listening closely to the voices of those who use her work, she continues to explore how pieces can be made more comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable to use.
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 spherical basket made from Matatabi vine.
Matatabi vine is well known in Japan and belongs to the same family as the kiwi fruit. When you cut its fruit open, the arrangement of the seeds looks remarkably similar. It grows wild on mountain slopes and is known for being very labor-intensive to harvest. The branches are harvested in autumn, then dried before being used for weaving.
The overall weave is tight and dense, with few gaps. This version keeps part of the natural bark on the vine and contains dried Matatabi vine fruits inside, making it especially rich in aroma.In its production region, it is known as a “cat toy” or “Matatabi ball.”The branches retain a slight greenish hue, and you can almost sense the fragrance. Matatabi vine is famous for its appeal to cats, especially Japanese breeds, and is often used to make toys for them.It is a relatively soft and flexible material. In regions where bamboo is scarce—such as Oku-Aizu in Fukushima and parts of Yamagata—it has long been used to make household baskets and strainers. Unlike products that simply include Matatabi vine powder, this piece itself is made entirely from Matatabi vine.Inside are multiple dried Matatabi vine fruits. When you shake the ball, you can hear the faint rustling sound of the fruit inside.
Some cats may react very strongly, so please follow the guidelines below when playing.
・Use only under supervision, as some cats may act intoxicated or overexcited. ・Some cats may show no interest at all. ・Store out of reach when not in use. ・The natural fragrance will fade gradually over time. ・Do not allow prolonged play sessions. ・We cannot accept returns based on the cat’s reaction or lack of interest. ・If a strip comes loose, simply press or weave it back into place. ・You may thread a string through the weave to hang or attach it as you like. ・Some bark may flake off, and small cracks may appear due to drying—these are natural and not defects.
It fits comfortably within both hands and is easy to handle.
Freshly delivered pieces from the region carry a noticeable fragrance, even to the human nose. The texture and appearance reflect the true character of Matatabi vine growing in the mountains. Please enjoy playful moments with your cat and the natural scent of the mountains at home.
Forms that captivate, born from the rich materials of Yamagata
Using a variety of mountain materials—Grapevine, walnut, Akebi, and Matatabi— Kaoru Saito creates a succession of unique forms rarely seen elsewhere, as well as refined basketry that quietly draws the eye.
For many years, she has gone into the mountains herself to gather materials, carrying out every step of the process from the very beginning.
In fact, Kaoru is also a highly skilled maker capable of producing finely woven Grapevine tote baskets of exceptional quality. The accessories and ornaments she creates from multiple materials all carry a sense of considered beauty, while also reflecting playfulness and thoughtful attention to the user.
She has a deep understanding of each material, and is also a user herself, incorporating baskets, accessories, and small objects into her daily life.
Listening closely to the voices of those who use her work, she continues to explore how pieces can be made more comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable to use.
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.
