This handheld basket is woven using the bark of sawagurumi (Japanese walnut).
The bark of walnut trees is harvested at its peak from spring through the rainy season, when the material is rich with moisture.
Sawagurumi, as its name suggests, is a species of walnut that grows naturally along mountain streams and shallow valleys.
Unlike yamagurumi, which grows in the mountains, the nuts of sawagurumi are not used for food. Instead, the tree has the characteristic of letting its seeds travel downstream, carried away by the flow of nearby streams.
For basketry, young trees that are two to three years old are used.Sawagurumi grows in clusters like this, sprouting multiple stems from the base.Further up, the stems branch out in this way.Not all of the clustered stems are cut; only two or three are selected and harvested.Freshly cut stems glisten with a silvery sheen when touched by the sunlight.A small cut is made in the bark of the freshly cut stem, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is the sawagurumi bark right after peeling. The inner surface begins as a fresh, creamy color, but over time it deepens into a rich, dark brown.The core left after peeling is returned to the mountains. After about a year, it breaks down into a soft, crumbly state, preparing to return to the soil.This bark has been left for some time after peeling. The inner layer visible on the surface has begun to take on a warm brown tone, and its color will continue to deepen as it ages.
Here, we would like to introduce a handheld basket crafted from walnut bark.
This is a small basket that combines the pale outer bark and the darker inner bark of walnut.
It is primarily woven so that the pale, light-brown outer bark faces outward. The entire basket is crafted in the ajiro-ami (tightly packed plain weave) pattern. The dark inner bark appears in a zigzag, lightning-like streak—this distinctive feature is what inspired the basket’s name.The basket has a finish that allows you to enjoy both the color and texture of the pale outer bark and the dark inner bark.Just below the rim, two rows of inner-bark stitching run around the basket.This is the view of the rim from above. The rim is woven so that the deeper-toned inner bark is visible, giving the basket a gently refined and grounded look. The weaving is secured firmly from both the outside and the inside.This is the handle area of the basket. The handle is woven so that the deep brown inner bark is visible.Akebi vine is used as the core inside the handle. The core is wrapped with walnut bark and securely attached to the basket body.This is the bottom of the basket. The same pattern seen on the sides continues across the base.Inside the basket, the color arrangement appears as the reverse of the outside. When you look inside during everyday use, the design resembles a bright lightning-like streak cutting through the darkness — a striking and lively contrast.It is sized to hold a wallet, pouch, mobile phone, key case, and even a small bottle.For added privacy, you can place a favorite scarf or handkerchief over your belongings. Choosing fabrics that pair well with the basket can be part of the enjoyment.Thanks to its well-secured depth, this small basket still offers ample room inside for your essentials.For example, you can tuck in your minimal essentials along with a paperback or a small planner and head to your favorite café.
In autumn and winter, and even on chilly spring mornings and evenings, it pairs beautifully with a stole or muffler. This sawagurumi basket is one you can enjoy throughout the year.
The materials are carefully prepared, so there is no roughness — the surface feels smooth, clean, and pleasantly light to the touch.
Each walnut-bark strip has its own subtle tone and texture, and together they give the basket a sense of depth and character.
Bring the basket close and you can enjoy the rich, natural aroma of walnut. And the more you gently run your hand over the surface, the more luster the basket develops as it absorbs the natural oils from your skin.
The balanced use of both the outer and inner bark allows you to enjoy the distinct textures and tones of each. With a structured gusset that lets it stand on its own, you can even use it indoors as a basket to hold a small vase or flowers.
Visually engaging and full of charm, this handheld basket is sure to be a delightful companion—whether at home or out and about in your daily life.
Original and uniquely crafted barkwork from Iwate.
In this region blessed with abundant nature, these artisans create their work using materials such as walnut bark and wild grapevine.
Their pieces are rich in variety—both in design and in proportion—and always bring a sense of delight when we encounter them.
They walk the mountains of Iwate themselves, selecting and harvesting only the finest materials. The care they put into preparing each piece of bark, and the time they devote before the weaving even begins, set their work apart. From their distinctive approach to design to the way each basket is brought to life, their craft is truly unlike any other.
This handheld basket is woven using the bark of sawagurumi (Japanese walnut).
The bark of walnut trees is harvested at its peak from spring through the rainy season, when the material is rich with moisture.
Sawagurumi, as its name suggests, is a species of walnut that grows naturally along mountain streams and shallow valleys.
Unlike yamagurumi, which grows in the mountains, the nuts of sawagurumi are not used for food. Instead, the tree has the characteristic of letting its seeds travel downstream, carried away by the flow of nearby streams.
For basketry, young trees that are two to three years old are used.Sawagurumi grows in clusters like this, sprouting multiple stems from the base.Further up, the stems branch out in this way.Not all of the clustered stems are cut; only two or three are selected and harvested.Freshly cut stems glisten with a silvery sheen when touched by the sunlight.A small cut is made in the bark of the freshly cut stem, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is the sawagurumi bark right after peeling. The inner surface begins as a fresh, creamy color, but over time it deepens into a rich, dark brown.The core left after peeling is returned to the mountains. After about a year, it breaks down into a soft, crumbly state, preparing to return to the soil.This bark has been left for some time after peeling. The inner layer visible on the surface has begun to take on a warm brown tone, and its color will continue to deepen as it ages.
Here, we would like to introduce a handheld basket crafted from walnut bark.
This is a small basket that combines the pale outer bark and the darker inner bark of walnut.
It is primarily woven so that the pale, light-brown outer bark faces outward. The entire basket is crafted in the ajiro-ami (tightly packed plain weave) pattern. The dark inner bark appears in a zigzag, lightning-like streak—this distinctive feature is what inspired the basket’s name.The basket has a finish that allows you to enjoy both the color and texture of the pale outer bark and the dark inner bark.Just below the rim, two rows of inner-bark stitching run around the basket.This is the view of the rim from above. The rim is woven so that the deeper-toned inner bark is visible, giving the basket a gently refined and grounded look. The weaving is secured firmly from both the outside and the inside.This is the handle area of the basket. The handle is woven so that the deep brown inner bark is visible.Akebi vine is used as the core inside the handle. The core is wrapped with walnut bark and securely attached to the basket body.This is the bottom of the basket. The same pattern seen on the sides continues across the base.Inside the basket, the color arrangement appears as the reverse of the outside. When you look inside during everyday use, the design resembles a bright lightning-like streak cutting through the darkness — a striking and lively contrast.It is sized to hold a wallet, pouch, mobile phone, key case, and even a small bottle.For added privacy, you can place a favorite scarf or handkerchief over your belongings. Choosing fabrics that pair well with the basket can be part of the enjoyment.Thanks to its well-secured depth, this small basket still offers ample room inside for your essentials.For example, you can tuck in your minimal essentials along with a paperback or a small planner and head to your favorite café.
In autumn and winter, and even on chilly spring mornings and evenings, it pairs beautifully with a stole or muffler. This sawagurumi basket is one you can enjoy throughout the year.
The materials are carefully prepared, so there is no roughness — the surface feels smooth, clean, and pleasantly light to the touch.
Each walnut-bark strip has its own subtle tone and texture, and together they give the basket a sense of depth and character.
Bring the basket close and you can enjoy the rich, natural aroma of walnut. And the more you gently run your hand over the surface, the more luster the basket develops as it absorbs the natural oils from your skin.
The balanced use of both the outer and inner bark allows you to enjoy the distinct textures and tones of each. With a structured gusset that lets it stand on its own, you can even use it indoors as a basket to hold a small vase or flowers.
Visually engaging and full of charm, this handheld basket is sure to be a delightful companion—whether at home or out and about in your daily life.
Original and uniquely crafted barkwork from Iwate.
In this region blessed with abundant nature, these artisans create their work using materials such as walnut bark and wild grapevine.
Their pieces are rich in variety—both in design and in proportion—and always bring a sense of delight when we encounter them.
They walk the mountains of Iwate themselves, selecting and harvesting only the finest materials. The care they put into preparing each piece of bark, and the time they devote before the weaving even begins, set their work apart. From their distinctive approach to design to the way each basket is brought to life, their craft is truly unlike any other.
This handheld basket is woven using the bark of sawagurumi (Japanese walnut).
The bark of walnut trees is harvested at its peak from spring through the rainy season, when the material is rich with moisture.
Sawagurumi, as its name suggests, is a species of walnut that grows naturally along mountain streams and shallow valleys.
Unlike yamagurumi, which grows in the mountains, the nuts of sawagurumi are not used for food. Instead, the tree has the characteristic of letting its seeds travel downstream, carried away by the flow of nearby streams.
For basketry, young trees that are two to three years old are used.Sawagurumi grows in clusters like this, sprouting multiple stems from the base.Further up, the stems branch out in this way.Not all of the clustered stems are cut; only two or three are selected and harvested.Freshly cut stems glisten with a silvery sheen when touched by the sunlight.A small cut is made in the bark of the freshly cut stem, and the bark is peeled away from the core. This is the sawagurumi bark right after peeling. The inner surface begins as a fresh, creamy color, but over time it deepens into a rich, dark brown.The core left after peeling is returned to the mountains. After about a year, it breaks down into a soft, crumbly state, preparing to return to the soil.This bark has been left for some time after peeling. The inner layer visible on the surface has begun to take on a warm brown tone, and its color will continue to deepen as it ages.
Here, we would like to introduce a handheld basket crafted from walnut bark.
This is a small basket that combines the pale outer bark and the darker inner bark of walnut.
It is primarily woven so that the pale, light-brown outer bark faces outward. The entire basket is crafted in the ajiro-ami (tightly packed plain weave) pattern. The dark inner bark appears in a zigzag, lightning-like streak—this distinctive feature is what inspired the basket’s name.The basket has a finish that allows you to enjoy both the color and texture of the pale outer bark and the dark inner bark.Just below the rim, two rows of inner-bark stitching run around the basket.This is the view of the rim from above. The rim is woven so that the deeper-toned inner bark is visible, giving the basket a gently refined and grounded look. The weaving is secured firmly from both the outside and the inside.This is the handle area of the basket. The handle is woven so that the deep brown inner bark is visible.Akebi vine is used as the core inside the handle. The core is wrapped with walnut bark and securely attached to the basket body.This is the bottom of the basket. The same pattern seen on the sides continues across the base.Inside the basket, the color arrangement appears as the reverse of the outside. When you look inside during everyday use, the design resembles a bright lightning-like streak cutting through the darkness — a striking and lively contrast.It is sized to hold a wallet, pouch, mobile phone, key case, and even a small bottle.For added privacy, you can place a favorite scarf or handkerchief over your belongings. Choosing fabrics that pair well with the basket can be part of the enjoyment.Thanks to its well-secured depth, this small basket still offers ample room inside for your essentials.For example, you can tuck in your minimal essentials along with a paperback or a small planner and head to your favorite café.
In autumn and winter, and even on chilly spring mornings and evenings, it pairs beautifully with a stole or muffler. This sawagurumi basket is one you can enjoy throughout the year.
The materials are carefully prepared, so there is no roughness — the surface feels smooth, clean, and pleasantly light to the touch.
Each walnut-bark strip has its own subtle tone and texture, and together they give the basket a sense of depth and character.
Bring the basket close and you can enjoy the rich, natural aroma of walnut. And the more you gently run your hand over the surface, the more luster the basket develops as it absorbs the natural oils from your skin.
The balanced use of both the outer and inner bark allows you to enjoy the distinct textures and tones of each. With a structured gusset that lets it stand on its own, you can even use it indoors as a basket to hold a small vase or flowers.
Visually engaging and full of charm, this handheld basket is sure to be a delightful companion—whether at home or out and about in your daily life.
Original and uniquely crafted barkwork from Iwate.
In this region blessed with abundant nature, these artisans create their work using materials such as walnut bark and wild grapevine.
Their pieces are rich in variety—both in design and in proportion—and always bring a sense of delight when we encounter them.
They walk the mountains of Iwate themselves, selecting and harvesting only the finest materials. The care they put into preparing each piece of bark, and the time they devote before the weaving even begins, set their work apart. From their distinctive approach to design to the way each basket is brought to life, their craft is truly unlike any other.
