This is a basket called “Mekai,” made from madake bamboo.
The term Mekai refers to open-weave baskets like this, with visible gaps between the strands.

It belongs to the same broad family as openwork baskets
such as mekago or mezaru, which are woven in the mutsume-ami style.
Mekai baskets have been made in various parts of the Kanto region,
and in western Tokyo, they were also crafted using shinodake—a type of bamboo also known as Azuma-nezasa.
Here we introduce two sizes of Mekai baskets made from thick madake bamboo—small and large.

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.
Both sizes share nearly the same overall construction.














In Ibaraki, these baskets have long been used outdoors, especially for farm work.
They were often used for holding vegetables such as potatoes and onions.
Because the weave is open, the vegetables can even be washed directly inside the basket.

A rope can also be passed under the rim to use it like a waist basket.
From harvesting to carrying, washing, and storing—
the entire flow of farm work can be handled with this single basket.
This basket is also known as a “kusakari-kago,”
as it was used to carry weeds that had been pulled or cut.

Although the weave is open, the basket is solidly built and dependable.
A reliable companion for gardening and fieldwork.
The Small and Large sizes differ significantly.
Please check the measurements carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs.

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 basket called “Mekai,” made from madake bamboo.
The term Mekai refers to open-weave baskets like this, with visible gaps between the strands.

It belongs to the same broad family as openwork baskets
such as mekago or mezaru, which are woven in the mutsume-ami style.
Mekai baskets have been made in various parts of the Kanto region,
and in western Tokyo, they were also crafted using shinodake—a type of bamboo also known as Azuma-nezasa.
Here we introduce two sizes of Mekai baskets made from thick madake bamboo—small and large.

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.
Both sizes share nearly the same overall construction.














In Ibaraki, these baskets have long been used outdoors, especially for farm work.
They were often used for holding vegetables such as potatoes and onions.
Because the weave is open, the vegetables can even be washed directly inside the basket.

A rope can also be passed under the rim to use it like a waist basket.
From harvesting to carrying, washing, and storing—
the entire flow of farm work can be handled with this single basket.
This basket is also known as a “kusakari-kago,”
as it was used to carry weeds that had been pulled or cut.

Although the weave is open, the basket is solidly built and dependable.
A reliable companion for gardening and fieldwork.
The Small and Large sizes differ significantly.
Please check the measurements carefully and choose the one that best fits your needs.

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.