This is a rectangular basket called kakukago,
made from green madake bamboo with a handle and small legs.
It comes in two sizes: medium and large.

Making baskets like this kakukago requires unique techniques,
such as shaving thick bamboo and using fire to bend it,
to transform long, straight bamboo into a square form.
Compared to the peak period of kakukago production,
the number of craftsmen who possess these skills has dramatically decreased—
only a few remain today.

This handled, legged kakukago has actually been recreated as a revival piece.
There was a time when baskets of this form were widely made on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture,
but unfortunately, they are no longer produced there.

Several old baskets remained in our shop, so we asked a craftsman in Ibaraki to recreate them.

In the photo, the basket on the left is from Sado,
and the one on the right was recreated by the craftsman in Ibaraki.

When we asked the craftsman if he could reproduce it,
he replied, “If it’s all right for me to finish it in my own way, I’ll make it.”
Thus, this long-awaited basket was realized.

This craftsman once made kakukago for professional use,
so he kindly agreed to take on the project.
For that reason, the finishing details differ slightly from those of the Sado-made basket.
Rather than a direct reproduction,
it may be closer to a “cover version,” as one might say in music.

One of the strengths of green madake bamboo work is that,
unlike crafts made from thin, reed-like bamboo,
its thickness and width give it the strength to withstand daily transport and heavy use.

Although it was not possible to reproduce the original design exactly due to material availability,
this basket, made by a craftsman who has made a living solely from bamboo work,
is sure to be one you can rely on with complete confidence.

Two sizes are available—medium and large—which will be introduced in order.

With the handle, the basket can be carried easily and in balance,
whether for cleaning or when you simply wish to move it to another place.
A handled basket also brings a gentle sense of character and presence to the space it occupies.

When placing the basket directly on flooring,
please note that the bamboo feet may leave marks or scratches.
We recommend placing a piece of cloth or paper underneath,
or attaching small cushions to the feet for protection.

This basket design, once discontinued,
has now found new life and will surely serve once again in daily living.

Please compare the sizes and choose the one that best suits your needs—medium or large.

Bamboo Artisans of Ibaraki

In Ibaraki Prefecture,
a small number of seasoned bamboo artisans continue to work actively while also mentoring the next generation.

Some inherited their craft from parents at a time when bamboo tools were simply part of everyday life,
while others honed their skills working in bamboo workshops in Tokyo.

Though they still embody the old-school spirit of craftsmanship, they are all warm-hearted and generous people
—we are truly grateful for their continued support of our work.

These skilled artisans are typically able to make just about anything.
From rustic everyday wares to fine bamboo crafts,
they carry with them a wide range of techniques passed down through generations.

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.