This is a shopping basket made of Suzu bamboo.
This page introduces the medium size.

Suzu bamboo is characterized by the glossy luster of its outer skin, its soft and elastic texture, and its durability.
The yellow color gradually changes to an amber color as it ages.

It is such an excellent material that even after it has been used and turned amber color,
the outer skin becomes shiny when washed in water.

It is a perfect bag for daily shopping, and when going camping or picnicking,
it can be loaded directly into the car with lunch boxes, drinks, and foodstuffs.
Also useful when traveling with bulky items such as luggage.

Even a storage basket would look great in a room.

This handbag is also used by cooks who go to the market every day to stock up.
This so-called “vinyl handle specification” is the market specification used by professionals.
It is sturdy enough to withstand the strain of holding a lot of vegetables, fish, and meat.

Please check the size carefully.

—Suzu bamboo baskets in Iwate Prefecture—

Suzu bamboo found north area of Iwate pref. is said to be particularly strong and flexible.
Suzu bamboo crafts have been made with this bamboo for more than 1,000 years.

However, since around 2015, Suzu bamboo has been dying all over Iwate Prefecture for several years.
Suzu bamboo crafts are now more precious than ever,
as it has become more and more difficult to gather high-quality Suzu bamboo for use as material.

Suzu bamboo is said to die after blooming small yellow flowers when it reaches the end of its life span, and after the bamboo withers,
which is said to occur once every 120 years.
It is said to take 10 to 20 years for the young shoots to grow tall enough to be used for bamboo crafts.

This was an inexperienced situation even for the makers
who have been involved in Suzu bamboo crafts for many years.
Nevertheless, they have continued their traditional crafts by carefully walking in the mountains
and using only a tenth of the amount of Suzu bamboo that is normally harvested.