This is a lunch basket woven from Suzutake bamboo.

Lidded baskets made in this region using the traditional ajiro-ami weaving technique
used to be crafted in a wide range of sizes—from large storage trunks called kōri to small card cases—
by many skilled artisans.
Today, however, due to the decline in the number of weavers, only certain sizes are still being made.

Even among lunch baskets made from the same Suzutake material,
the finish may vary depending on the artisan.
For this reason, we offer two types: Type A and Type B.
This page features the Type A basket.

Among Suzutake crafts, baskets like this—with a separate base and lid that fit together precisely—
require particularly advanced weaving skills.

You can place rice balls or sandwiches directly into the basket without wrapping them in plastic or foil.

Depending on your preference or the type of food, you may also choose to line the basket with cooking paper or kyōgi (thin sheets of wood).

For this example, we lined the bottom and sides with cooking paper and packed the food inside.

Please note that even with a liner, moisture from juicy dishes or fruits may seep through the gaps in the weave at the bottom of the basket.

If you plan to keep the basket upright while carrying, some people use small containers or divider cups to include slightly moist side dishes.

The basket also works well as a container for small items,
or you can even use the body and lid separately if you like.

Suzutake bamboo is known for its glossy surface, soft yet resilient texture, and overall durability.

One of its pleasures is the way it gradually deepens in color over time—
from pale green to a warm amber tone.
Even after years of use, washing it with water brings back a natural sheen to the surface,
a sign of just how exceptional the material is.

Please note that, as the artisan who made these baskets is of advanced age,
some pieces may show slight warping or irregularities.
We appreciate your understanding.

Please choose the size that best suits your needs.

Suzutake Craft from Torigoe, Iwate Prefecture

Torigoe is a small village located in Ichinohe Town, Ninohe District, in the northern part of Iwate Prefecture.
It is well known as a traditional center of Suzutake bamboo craft.

The Suzutake bamboo that grows in the Torigoe region is said to be especially strong and flexible.
For over a thousand years, people in the area have used it to weave durable and practical baskets and tools.

However, since around 2015, many areas of Iwate have experienced a widespread dieback of Suzutake bamboo,
making it increasingly difficult to secure high-quality material.
Since then, sourcing good-quality material has become much more difficult,
making Suzutake craft even more precious today.

It is said that once every 120 years, the bamboo reaches the end of its life cycle,
produces small yellow flowers, and then dies off.
After that, it may take 10 to 20 years for new shoots to grow tall enough to be used in bamboo craft.

Even for the artisans who have worked with Suzutake for many years, this is an unprecedented challenge.
And yet, to keep their craft alive, they continue to walk the mountains carefully,
gathering what little bamboo they can find—
sometimes just a fraction of what was once available—and carrying on the tradition with care.

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.