On this page you will find lidded baskets made of Itaya maple in four sizes.

All sizes can be used as a lunch box.

For rice balls, you can put them directly in the basket.
For sandwiches, side dishes, and fruits that will be slightly watery or oily,
place oil paper or a cookie sheet inside to prevent stains on the basket.

After using it as a lunch box,
brush any food scraps on it with a dry brush to remove dirt and dust,
dry it well, and store it in a well-ventilated place.

If you are particularly concerned about stains,
rinse the pot in water with a scrubbing brush, wipe it dry,
and then leave it in a well-ventilated place to dry.

If oil is on the surface, a neutral detergent can also be used.
(If the stain is not oily, washing with water is sufficient.)

In addition to lunch baskets,
they are useful for storing important items and items that you want to avoid dust.

For example, it can be used to organize small bowls, teacups, cups, and other utensils.
Also, as a container for tea utensils, hobbies, or work tools.

Since this basket with lid does not have a reinforced bottom,
please be sure to hold it with your hands supporting the bottom of the basket
or wrap the whole basket with a large handkerchief or cloth before carrying it
when you put a heavy object like a lunch box or a bowl in it.

Sometimes the lids also work well as baskets.
Placing them next to each other and using them as two baskets is also convenient.

Itaya maple work is characterized by a fresh white color that blends seamlessly into any space,
and a soft feel to the touch that is hard to believe it is wood,
thanks to the careful chamfers.

Another pleasant feature is that it is lightweight and sturdy.
With time, it will slowly change to an amber color,
which is also a pleasure to look forward to.

A square Basket weaving made of natural materials with a lid,
which is not so easy to find.
The basket is not only practical, but also has an appealing texture with a tasteful flavor
that can be used to accentuate a space just by placing it there.

Please look at the measurements carefully and select the size you prefer.

<Itaya maple work from Akita Pref.>

For about 200 years,
farmers in the areas of Akita City, Daisen City, and Senboku City in central Akita Prefecture
have been making crafts using Itaya maple as a side job during the off-season.

In Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, there were nearly 40 households engaged in Itaya maple work at its peak.
In those days, most of the households produced “winnowoing basket” for use by farmers.

The material should be harvested before the fall snowfall,
and all but the necessary amount should be stored in the snow to preserve its unique white color.

The logs are first roughly split into eight pieces.
Machines are used in the process, but the majority of strips are done by hand.
The material is then taped into thin strips, down to a thickness of about 1 mm.

There are almost no more people who go into the mountains and cut down trees.
As a result, Itaya maple basket weaving has become very precious.