Handmade Baskets

Baskets like these played an essential part in everyday rural life in the past. People would use them to carry items to and from the fields in which they worked, from fertilizer to sandals or food and drink for the day. Their simple utilitarian beauty means these items are still valued today, and they can be used to carry and store items just as they were in the past. This enduring appeal means these baskets continue to be produced by hand using the same techniques developed many years before.

Small size: L24 cm x W22 cm x H10 cm

Medium size: L29 cm x W27 cm x H13 cm

Large size: L42 cm x W38 cm x H16 cm

Tōhoku

Tōhoku consists of six prefectures located in the north-east of Honshu island. This region is known for its hot spring (onsen) resorts, colourful festivals, remote sacred mountains and harsh winters. In 2011, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region hard; however, the massive efforts in reconstruction are proof of the people’s resilience. Urushi (lacquer) ware, ironware and the crafting of kokeshi dolls make up but a few of the local industries in this lesser-visited region of Japan.