This is a lidded basket made from carbonized bamboo.

Some may be familiar with white bamboo,
which is made by boiling and sun-drying freshly cut green Madake bamboo to draw out its natural oils and color.

Carbonized bamboo is made by placing this white bamboo in a high-pressure steamer
and applying heat and pressure for about 15–20 minutes.

This process removes even more moisture and oil,
giving the bamboo a deep amber tone richer than white bamboo.

Although this treatment was originally developed to prevent mold and insects—
the natural enemies of bamboo—carbonization gives even newly made pieces a somewhat vintage appearance.

On this page, we introduce a lidded basket named “Document Box.”

This basket is finished with urushi lacquer applied to the surface of the bamboo.
The lacquer helps protect the bamboo from moisture and dirt and reduce damage to its surface.
It also deepens the bamboo’s color and gives the weave a subdued sheen, adding to the basket’s appeal.

It would also work well as a basket for serving food.

For example, you might line it with bamboo leaves, arrange seasonal dishes inside, and serve them to guests in the basket.

Filled with plenty of rice balls, covered with its lid, and wrapped in a furoshiki wrapping cloth,
it would also make a good companion for an outing with family or friends.

You might place a basket like this in a study or a room for receiving guests.

Simply keeping not only documents but also computer accessories
such as a mouse and cables in a bamboo basket could bring warmth to a space that tends to feel impersonal.

It would also work well for keeping your daily journal, stationery, and other small items together.

This lidded basket lets you fully enjoy the fine weave of carbonized bamboo.
Please put it to use in a variety of everyday settings.

Be sure to check the dimensions carefully before placing your order.

Beyond Categories: A New Approach to Bamboo Craft

In the world of bamboo craft, items are often labeled—
“practical goods,” “folk art,” “souvenirs,” or “traditional crafts”—
defined by the maker or by how they are used.

But there is a couple who create bamboo work that goes beyond such categories,
pursuing a broader, more open vision of what bamboo can be.

They began as self-taught artisans,
later refining their skills at the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu.
After graduating, they spent several years in workshops across Oita Prefecture,
steadily honing their craft by fulfilling order after order.

Their work is not shaped by vague ideas or trendy concepts,
but grounded in solid technique—developed through repetition and discipline.

Their baskets reflect careful consideration:
the choice of bamboo suited to each piece, the balance of color and shape,
and the usability that fits modern life.

What they create—each “bamboo thing,” in its own way—has a quiet joy.
A lightness, free from pressure, that makes it feel both thoughtful and delightfully approachable.

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.