The Ashigara area lies between Shizuoka and Kanagawa.
Once, the main route of the old Tōkaidō highway passed through here, making it an important crossroads for travelers.
To the north spreads the Tanzawa Mountains, which cover one-sixth of Kanagawa’s total area.
To the south lies Odawara and Sagami Bay, while to the west rise the mountains of Hakone and the majestic Mt. Fuji.

This region, blessed with meltwater from Mt. Fuji and the Tanzawa range, still uses groundwater for tap water in some areas today.
The Sakawa River runs north to south across the plain, nurturing a long agricultural tradition—yet the area has also endured floods, volcanic ash, and debris flows from Mt. Fuji’s eruptions.

The bamboo that grows in Ashigara is said to be as thick and strong as that found in Kyushu, with long, even segments ideal for bamboo craftsmanship.

Using madake bamboo harvested from the foothills of the Tanzawa Mountains and the outer ridges of Hakone, a craftsperson continues the tradition of bamboo work in Ashigara.

Having entered the field at a young age, this craftsperson has been working with bamboo for more than 30 years.

Their work ranges widely—from creating baskets with unique, original designs, to reviving traditional baskets from different regions that have disappeared, restoring delicate bamboo crafts that have been damaged, producing festival tools rooted in local traditions, and giving live basket-weaving demonstrations abroad.

The basket introduced here is one of their works—
a bamboo basket known as the “Sasara Open Weave Basket.”

This type of basket originally came from a small community in Fuchū City, Hiroshima Prefecture,
where it was used mainly as a dish basket for holding washed tableware.

In Fuchū, production had ceased in the early Heisei period, and the craft once disappeared.
However, in Kanagawa, the current craftsperson revived it around 2012,
after much trial and error using old video records as references.

The Sasara Open Weave Basket series comes in five sizes:
Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large—
ranging approximately from Ø 11.42″ (Extra Small) to Ø 17.72″ (Extra Large).

On this page, we introduce the two larger sizes: Large and Extra Large.

Although large in size, it can be used in the original way—
as a basket for holding plenty of bowls and cups.
It also works beautifully as a fruit or snack basket.

Some people use it for storing towels or blankets, others as a vessel for flower arrangements,
and some simply display the basket itself for its beauty.

This Sasara Open Weave Basket, faithfully revived across time and place,
carries quiet elegance and strength into modern life.
We hope it finds a place in your home as well.

The fresh green color will gradually turn to a warm amber tone over time—
please enjoy this natural aging process.

As these are large pieces,
please check the dimensions carefully and choose the size that best suits your space and use.

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.