White Bamboo is made by removing the natural oils from freshly harvested green Madake and then drying it in the sun. There are two traditional methods of oil removal: a dry method, in which the bamboo is heated over a fire and the oil is wiped away, and a wet method, in which it is boiled in a long narrow kettle. Both methods are finished with sun drying. The bamboo is then transformed into the soft cream color that characterizes White Bamboo. Because it is dried under the sun, it is also known in Japan as sarashidake, meaning “sun-bleached bamboo.”

Most bamboo used for basketry in Japan is Madake. Before processing it is known as Green Madake Bamboo, and after oil removal and sun drying it becomes White Madake Bamboo. The names change according to how the same bamboo is processed.

Here, we introduce baskets, strainers, serving trays, storage baskets, and other items made from White Madake Bamboo by artisans across Japan.

Because the bamboo has already been processed to remove its natural oils, its color changes more gradually than Green Madake Bamboo. Over the years, it slowly develops a rich amber tone. We hope you will enjoy this gentle change in character as the pieces become part of your daily life.