This 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.

Here, we introduce four variations of a storage basket made from this walnut bark and woven in a checkered pattern:
Small-light, Small-dark, Medium-light, and Medium-dark.

The small size works well as a basket for placing tea sets or tableware upside down to dry.
It can also be used to store dry foods, canned goods, tools, or stationery.

The medium size is perfect for holding placemats, scarves, and other fabric items.
It can also be placed beside a sofa or chair to keep magazines and books within easy reach.

It’s also useful for organizing documents while working from home.

Although the material has been carefully treated, if you plan to store towels or clothing,
placing a piece of cloth inside will help prevent snagging.

The wide strips of walnut bark bring out the natural texture beautifully.
Because the bark is thoroughly prepared,
the surface feels smooth and pleasant to the touch—never rough or stiff.
Its quiet, grounded presence blends naturally into any space, whether Japanese or Western.

Bring your nose close, and you can even enjoy the gentle, nutty fragrance of the walnut.
Please choose your preferred tone and size from the selection.

Continuing to Create New Designs with Sawagurumi from Iwate

In this region of Iwate, blessed with abundant nature, these artisans make baskets using sawagurumi bark.

They walk through the mountains of Iwate, personally selecting and harvesting high-quality materials.
The harvested materials are then carefully prepared, one by one, before weaving begins.

While bringing out the natural character of the material, they create new designs, one piece at a time.

The baskets born from their free approach to design give us something new to appreciate each time we see them and always bring us joy.

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.