These small trivets are handwoven from the leaves of shell ginger.
They come in two sizes: Mini and Small.

In the local dialect, they are called “Ganshina.”
A Ganshina is a ring-shaped pad traditionally placed on the head to steady a basket or other load while carrying it.
The name combines local words meaning “hair” and “goods.”

In the past, Ganshina were made from rice straw, but as agriculture has become mechanized across Japan, obtaining suitable straw for handcrafts has become increasingly difficult.
These pieces are therefore made entirely from shell ginger, rather than rice straw.

Shell ginger is a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the genus Alpinia.
The leaves, with their refreshing scent, are used for aromatherapy and herbal tea, and the fragrance is also known to have insect-repelling effects.

Although the leaves have been dried, the scent is not strong,
but when you gently rub them, you can still notice the refreshing aroma unique to shell ginger.

This charming Ganshina is about the size of the circular hand strap once common on Japanese trains.

It can be used to rest a freshly boiled barley tea pot to let it cool slightly,
or as a base for a pitcher filled with hot drinks.

When not in use, you can attach a string and hang it on a hook—
it will look like a small wreath and bring a pleasant touch to your space.

Please choose the size you prefer.

＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊

Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands
that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.

The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands—
with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea,
carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan.
Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life,
supporting the lives of the people.

Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa
grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.

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.