This is a large rice colander made from madake bamboo. It was used for washing and draining a large quantity of rice— about 100 to 150 Japanese cups (1 cup = 180 ml).
The craftsman who made this has been working with bamboo since his youth, and even now, in his late eighties, he continues to devote himself energetically to the craft every day. From large-scale pieces made for professional use to smaller household items, he has created nearly everything once used in the Kanto region—truly a “superman” of bamboo craft.
This colander, made by such a craftsman, is of a size suitable even for commercial kitchens. Both sizes share nearly the same overall construction.
Thin strips of bamboo are used, woven in a regular gozame-ami pattern to form the sides. For this colander, both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion of the culm are used as weaving strips.Mainly, the strips with the outer skin are used for the upper and lower parts where more strength is needed, while the softer inner strips are woven into the middle section. If only the outer skin were used, a large amount of the inner material would end up as waste. By using both, waste is minimized. Moreover, since the outer and inner surfaces age differently in color, the contrast becomes richer over time.The lower part of the basket bears the weight when filled, so the stronger strips with skin are used there.These skin-on strips continue from the bottom up to the lower sides.Because this is a large piece, the base is started with a three-strip ajiro-ami weave instead of the usual two-strip pattern, giving it extra strength. The vertical ribs also alternate between the outer-skin and inner portions of the bamboo.When turned over, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the bottom. The uppermost reinforcing strip is interwoven into the base structure. The reinforcing strips then continue into the rim, creating a firm, layered structure that prevents the bottom from sagging.This is the rim viewed from the outside. The thick, solid core is wrapped at regular intervals with thin, tape-like bamboo strips.Here is the rim seen from the inside. It is first wrapped once with inner bamboo strips, then wrapped again from the opposite side using outer-skin strips.This method of rim construction is commonly used in madake bamboo craft when durability is required. Similar techniques can be found in the coastal regions of Kanto and Tohoku.Using fine strips only about 0.12″ wide to create such a large colander requires a great deal of time and labor. However, this shape is one the craftsman has been making for many years, and thanks to that experience, the price remains quite reasonable.Now, let us introduce each size. This is the Large size.It is designed for draining about 100 Japanese cups of rice.And this is the Extra Large size.It is designed for draining about 150 Japanese cups of rice.
It can be used not only for professional purposes but also for washing and draining large amounts of glutinous rice during New Year celebrations or festive occasions. It is also sure to be useful for preparing meals at festivals or community gatherings.
The sizes introduced here are the Large and Extra Large, but if you require an even larger size—about 200 Japanese cups of rice—it can be made to order. Please feel free to contact us for details.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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 large rice colander made from madake bamboo. It was used for washing and draining a large quantity of rice— about 100 to 150 Japanese cups (1 cup = 180 ml).
The craftsman who made this has been working with bamboo since his youth, and even now, in his late eighties, he continues to devote himself energetically to the craft every day. From large-scale pieces made for professional use to smaller household items, he has created nearly everything once used in the Kanto region—truly a “superman” of bamboo craft.
This colander, made by such a craftsman, is of a size suitable even for commercial kitchens. Both sizes share nearly the same overall construction.
Thin strips of bamboo are used, woven in a regular gozame-ami pattern to form the sides. For this colander, both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion of the culm are used as weaving strips.Mainly, the strips with the outer skin are used for the upper and lower parts where more strength is needed, while the softer inner strips are woven into the middle section. If only the outer skin were used, a large amount of the inner material would end up as waste. By using both, waste is minimized. Moreover, since the outer and inner surfaces age differently in color, the contrast becomes richer over time.The lower part of the basket bears the weight when filled, so the stronger strips with skin are used there.These skin-on strips continue from the bottom up to the lower sides.Because this is a large piece, the base is started with a three-strip ajiro-ami weave instead of the usual two-strip pattern, giving it extra strength. The vertical ribs also alternate between the outer-skin and inner portions of the bamboo.When turned over, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the bottom. The uppermost reinforcing strip is interwoven into the base structure. The reinforcing strips then continue into the rim, creating a firm, layered structure that prevents the bottom from sagging.This is the rim viewed from the outside. The thick, solid core is wrapped at regular intervals with thin, tape-like bamboo strips.Here is the rim seen from the inside. It is first wrapped once with inner bamboo strips, then wrapped again from the opposite side using outer-skin strips.This method of rim construction is commonly used in madake bamboo craft when durability is required. Similar techniques can be found in the coastal regions of Kanto and Tohoku.Using fine strips only about 0.12″ wide to create such a large colander requires a great deal of time and labor. However, this shape is one the craftsman has been making for many years, and thanks to that experience, the price remains quite reasonable.Now, let us introduce each size. This is the Large size.It is designed for draining about 100 Japanese cups of rice.And this is the Extra Large size.It is designed for draining about 150 Japanese cups of rice.
It can be used not only for professional purposes but also for washing and draining large amounts of glutinous rice during New Year celebrations or festive occasions. It is also sure to be useful for preparing meals at festivals or community gatherings.
The sizes introduced here are the Large and Extra Large, but if you require an even larger size—about 200 Japanese cups of rice—it can be made to order. Please feel free to contact us for details.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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 large rice colander made from madake bamboo. It was used for washing and draining a large quantity of rice— about 100 to 150 Japanese cups (1 cup = 180 ml).
The craftsman who made this has been working with bamboo since his youth, and even now, in his late eighties, he continues to devote himself energetically to the craft every day. From large-scale pieces made for professional use to smaller household items, he has created nearly everything once used in the Kanto region—truly a “superman” of bamboo craft.
This colander, made by such a craftsman, is of a size suitable even for commercial kitchens. Both sizes share nearly the same overall construction.
Thin strips of bamboo are used, woven in a regular gozame-ami pattern to form the sides. For this colander, both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion of the culm are used as weaving strips.Mainly, the strips with the outer skin are used for the upper and lower parts where more strength is needed, while the softer inner strips are woven into the middle section. If only the outer skin were used, a large amount of the inner material would end up as waste. By using both, waste is minimized. Moreover, since the outer and inner surfaces age differently in color, the contrast becomes richer over time.The lower part of the basket bears the weight when filled, so the stronger strips with skin are used there.These skin-on strips continue from the bottom up to the lower sides.Because this is a large piece, the base is started with a three-strip ajiro-ami weave instead of the usual two-strip pattern, giving it extra strength. The vertical ribs also alternate between the outer-skin and inner portions of the bamboo.When turned over, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the bottom. The uppermost reinforcing strip is interwoven into the base structure. The reinforcing strips then continue into the rim, creating a firm, layered structure that prevents the bottom from sagging.This is the rim viewed from the outside. The thick, solid core is wrapped at regular intervals with thin, tape-like bamboo strips.Here is the rim seen from the inside. It is first wrapped once with inner bamboo strips, then wrapped again from the opposite side using outer-skin strips.This method of rim construction is commonly used in madake bamboo craft when durability is required. Similar techniques can be found in the coastal regions of Kanto and Tohoku.Using fine strips only about 0.12″ wide to create such a large colander requires a great deal of time and labor. However, this shape is one the craftsman has been making for many years, and thanks to that experience, the price remains quite reasonable.Now, let us introduce each size. This is the Large size.It is designed for draining about 100 Japanese cups of rice.And this is the Extra Large size.It is designed for draining about 150 Japanese cups of rice.
It can be used not only for professional purposes but also for washing and draining large amounts of glutinous rice during New Year celebrations or festive occasions. It is also sure to be useful for preparing meals at festivals or community gatherings.
The sizes introduced here are the Large and Extra Large, but if you require an even larger size—about 200 Japanese cups of rice—it can be made to order. Please feel free to contact us for details.
Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki
In Ibaraki Prefecture, a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.
Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life, while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.
Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people —we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.
These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything. From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts, they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.
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.
