This handheld basket is woven using the bark of sawagurumi (Japanese walnut).

The bark of walnut trees is harvested at its peak from spring through the rainy season, when the material is rich with moisture.

Sawagurumi, as its name suggests, is a species of walnut that grows naturally along mountain streams and shallow valleys.

Unlike yamagurumi, which grows in the mountains, the nuts of sawagurumi are not used for food. Instead, the tree has the characteristic of letting its seeds travel downstream, carried away by the flow of nearby streams.

Here, we would like to introduce a handheld basket crafted from walnut bark.

The checkered pattern created by the lighter-toned outer bark and dark brown inner bark is striking.
This handheld basket is part of the maker’s “Tiny” series—the smallest size among their handheld baskets.

In autumn and winter, and even on chilly spring mornings and evenings, it pairs beautifully with a stole or scarf.
This sawagurumi basket is one you can enjoy throughout the year.

The materials are carefully prepared, so there is no roughness—the surface feels smooth, clean, and pleasantly light to the touch.

Each walnut-bark strip has its own subtle tone and texture, and together they give the basket a sense of depth and character.

Bring the basket close, and you can enjoy the rich, natural aroma of walnut.
And the more you gently run your hand over the surface,
the more luster the basket develops as it absorbs the natural oils from your skin.

The checkered pattern formed by the light-toned outer bark and dark brown inner bark gives the basket a lively character unique to sawagurumi.
Its compact size makes it easy to use for everyday outings.

We hope you will find it useful in your everyday life.

Continuing to Create New Designs with Sawagurumi from Iwate

In this region of Iwate, blessed with abundant nature, these artisans make baskets using sawagurumi bark.

They walk through the mountains of Iwate, personally selecting and harvesting high-quality materials.
The harvested materials are then carefully prepared, one by one, before weaving begins.

While bringing out the natural character of the material, they create new designs, one piece at a time.

The baskets born from their free approach to design give us something new to appreciate each time we see them and always bring us joy.

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.