This is a storage basket handwoven from suzutake (a fine-leaved bamboo variety native to Japan).

It shares the same structure as the classic market basket, but without the handles
—making it ideal for use as a storage container at home.

The charm of suzutake lies in its lustrous outer skin, its soft yet springy texture, and its remarkable durability.
With continued use, the bamboo gradually deepens into a warm amber tone—
a beautiful transformation that becomes one of the joys of living with it over time.

Even after the color has deepened with age, simply rinsing with water is enough to restore the natural sheen of the outer surface.
Such resilience is part of what makes suzutake an exceptional material.

This basket is made to the same specifications as the traditional “market basket” used daily by professional cooks
when going to the market to purchase ingredients.

As such, it is more than durable enough for everyday use at home.

In the living room, it can be used as a magazine rack for storing newspapers or magazines.

It also holds a generous amount of bottled drinks or pantry items you keep on hand
Perfect for organizing camping gear or emergency supplies as well.

Covering the basket with a cloth—depending on the season or your style—
can help keep out dust, while also softening its appearance and adding a pleasant accent to your interior space.

This is a relatively large-sized basket, so please be sure to check the dimensions carefully.

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.