This is a Kōri storage trunk woven from Suzutake bamboo.

In the past, it was commonly used as a storage basket for clothing and personal items,
and was also carried during travel or relocations as a practical transport basket.

The term “No.2” in the product name refers to its size—
this is the second-largest among the Suzutake Kōri trunks.

A lidded basket consists of two parts—the body and the lid.
To make them fit together just right, with smooth opening and closing,
the artisan must finely adjust their dimensions.
This requires a high level of craftsmanship.

Made using the traditional ajiro-ami diagonal weave,
lidded baskets like this have historically been crafted in many sizes—
from large Kōri trunks like this one to small items like business card holders.

Today, due to material shortages and the decreasing number of artisans,
any size of these baskets has become rare in the market.
This particular Kōri is especially uncommon,
and it is the first time in several years that we are able to offer it at our store.

What makes this bamboo Kōri special is its light weight in spite of its size.
It is also flexible and strong, and with proper care, it can be used for generations.

Over time, well-used bamboo Kōri develop an antique-like charm—another part of their quiet appeal.

Perfect for closets, storage shelves, or overhead cabinets.

You can use it to store seasonal clothing, personal belongings,
or items you don’t use every day—such as accessories and attire
for special occasions like weddings or funerals.

With its generous capacity, it also works well as a container for tools, toys,
or household items that need a home.

This basket also brings a quiet presence to any space as part of your interior.

Over time, and with the changing seasons,
you may find yourself changing what you store inside or where you place it—
letting it become a long-lasting partner in your home.

When storing the basket, we recommend placing it on a shelf, upper level,
or any raised area rather than directly on the floor.
If it must be placed on the floor,
using a wooden slatted base or platform can help improve air circulation.

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.

We hope you will enjoy this piece for many years to come.

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.