This is a basket made from madake bamboo, known as a “weeding basket.” As the name suggests, it is used when pulling weeds and other plants, and is a large basket with both its diameter and height exceeding 19.7″.
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.
Although it is woven in the mutsume-ami, the most basic technique in bamboo craft, its scale is truly impressive.
The entire basket is made with the mutsume-ami, a technique that connects hexagonal patterns in succession. Both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion are used as weaving strips, skillfully interwoven to create balance and contrast.The mutsume-ami, also called “kagome-ami,” is considered one of the most fundamental techniques in bamboo basketry. At the same time, it may be the weave that best brings out the lightness, flexibility, and strength inherent to bamboo.If only the outer skin were used, much of the inner material would go to waste. By using both, waste is reduced, and over time the color contrast between the two deepens beautifully.The rim is made with a thick and wide bamboo core, neatly bound at regular intervals with tape-like strips.After first wrapping the rim with the pale inner bamboo strips, it is wrapped again from the opposite side using the outer skin.This basket has a generous capacity and can hold a substantial amount.To reinforce the basket, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the base—adding a bold, powerful look.These reinforcing strips are firmly secured to the rim with wire.Because the thick strips are heat-bent, faint scorch-like marks may be visible on the inside; this is a normal feature of the process.You may also notice occasional cracks or splits in the bamboo that spirals around the circumference, but these do not affect use and are not defects.
This basket is still requested and made for those who maintain parks and open squares. Considering its size, it is remarkably light, which explains why it remains so useful. It can also be fitted with straps or rope and used like a backpack basket.
Of course, it is also excellent for harvesting and carrying vegetables and fruit. Though the weave is open, it retains the characteristic lightness and strength of bamboo craft. A dependable companion for weeding and fieldwork.
As this is a large basket, please check the measurements carefully.
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 made from madake bamboo, known as a “weeding basket.” As the name suggests, it is used when pulling weeds and other plants, and is a large basket with both its diameter and height exceeding 19.7″.
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.
Although it is woven in the mutsume-ami, the most basic technique in bamboo craft, its scale is truly impressive.
The entire basket is made with the mutsume-ami, a technique that connects hexagonal patterns in succession. Both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion are used as weaving strips, skillfully interwoven to create balance and contrast.The mutsume-ami, also called “kagome-ami,” is considered one of the most fundamental techniques in bamboo basketry. At the same time, it may be the weave that best brings out the lightness, flexibility, and strength inherent to bamboo.If only the outer skin were used, much of the inner material would go to waste. By using both, waste is reduced, and over time the color contrast between the two deepens beautifully.The rim is made with a thick and wide bamboo core, neatly bound at regular intervals with tape-like strips.After first wrapping the rim with the pale inner bamboo strips, it is wrapped again from the opposite side using the outer skin.This basket has a generous capacity and can hold a substantial amount.To reinforce the basket, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the base—adding a bold, powerful look.These reinforcing strips are firmly secured to the rim with wire.Because the thick strips are heat-bent, faint scorch-like marks may be visible on the inside; this is a normal feature of the process.You may also notice occasional cracks or splits in the bamboo that spirals around the circumference, but these do not affect use and are not defects.
This basket is still requested and made for those who maintain parks and open squares. Considering its size, it is remarkably light, which explains why it remains so useful. It can also be fitted with straps or rope and used like a backpack basket.
Of course, it is also excellent for harvesting and carrying vegetables and fruit. Though the weave is open, it retains the characteristic lightness and strength of bamboo craft. A dependable companion for weeding and fieldwork.
As this is a large basket, please check the measurements carefully.
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 made from madake bamboo, known as a “weeding basket.” As the name suggests, it is used when pulling weeds and other plants, and is a large basket with both its diameter and height exceeding 19.7″.
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.
Although it is woven in the mutsume-ami, the most basic technique in bamboo craft, its scale is truly impressive.
The entire basket is made with the mutsume-ami, a technique that connects hexagonal patterns in succession. Both the outer green surface of madake and the inner pale portion are used as weaving strips, skillfully interwoven to create balance and contrast.The mutsume-ami, also called “kagome-ami,” is considered one of the most fundamental techniques in bamboo basketry. At the same time, it may be the weave that best brings out the lightness, flexibility, and strength inherent to bamboo.If only the outer skin were used, much of the inner material would go to waste. By using both, waste is reduced, and over time the color contrast between the two deepens beautifully.The rim is made with a thick and wide bamboo core, neatly bound at regular intervals with tape-like strips.After first wrapping the rim with the pale inner bamboo strips, it is wrapped again from the opposite side using the outer skin.This basket has a generous capacity and can hold a substantial amount.To reinforce the basket, three thick reinforcing bamboo strips run across the base—adding a bold, powerful look.These reinforcing strips are firmly secured to the rim with wire.Because the thick strips are heat-bent, faint scorch-like marks may be visible on the inside; this is a normal feature of the process.You may also notice occasional cracks or splits in the bamboo that spirals around the circumference, but these do not affect use and are not defects.
This basket is still requested and made for those who maintain parks and open squares. Considering its size, it is remarkably light, which explains why it remains so useful. It can also be fitted with straps or rope and used like a backpack basket.
Of course, it is also excellent for harvesting and carrying vegetables and fruit. Though the weave is open, it retains the characteristic lightness and strength of bamboo craft. A dependable companion for weeding and fieldwork.
As this is a large basket, please check the measurements carefully.
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.
