{"product_id":"230610","title":"Grass Toy \/ Māni \/ Taketomi, Okinawa-JPN 230610","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese toys are made on Taketomi Island from a plant called Māni.\u003cbr\u003eFrom the top left: frog, horse,\u003cbr\u003eand on the lower row from the left: finger snake, grasshopper, and dragonfly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25217\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/a6abc09758dda7e5fa6a6460f97d832d.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13240 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0240-768x1024.jpg\" height=\"1024\" width=\"768\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMāni\u003c\/em\u003e is the local name for a palm plant known as \u003cem\u003eKurotsugu\u003c\/em\u003e (\u003cem\u003eArenga engleri\u003c\/em\u003e), a species of palm that grows naturally in the southern islands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe word \u003cem\u003etsugu\u003c\/em\u003e in \u003cem\u003ekurotsugu\u003c\/em\u003e means \u003cem\u003eshuro\u003c\/em\u003e (windmill palm), a material often used for brooms and scrub brushes.\u003cbr\u003eThe plant’s trunk is covered with dark fibers, which are called \u003cem\u003efugara\u003c\/em\u003e locally.\u003cbr\u003eThese fibers were used to make small brooms, or twisted into cords for daily use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA local craftsman once said, “There is nothing to waste in Māni.”\u003cbr\u003eIndeed, this plant was an essential material deeply rooted in the daily life of Taketomi Island.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0247.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25218\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0247.jpg\" height=\"1200\" width=\"900\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis photo shows the harvesting of Māni. Since the plants grow along the roadside, they can be collected quite easily.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0250-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25219\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0250-1.jpg\" height=\"1200\" width=\"900\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eHere is the black fiber called Fugara, which grows at the base of the Māni plant.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0292-scaled.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13243\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0292-scaled.jpg\" height=\"2560\" width=\"1920\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is \u003cem\u003eFugarajinaa\u003c\/em\u003e—a rope made from the root fibers of Māni called Fugara. Today, there are very few people who still know how to make it.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0243.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25220\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0243.jpg\" height=\"1200\" width=\"900\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eBefore the leaves of Māni open, they are tightly layered and folded upon themselves.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0244.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25221\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/IMG_0244.jpg\" height=\"1200\" width=\"900\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWhen opened, the material used for making these grass toys appears inside.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this way, the craftspeople collect and prepare the Māni,\u003cbr\u003ethen weave it into simple figures of animals and insects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the past, when adults went out to work in the fields,\u003cbr\u003ethey would quickly make such toys from nearby natural materials so their children could play nearby.\u003cbr\u003eIt was much like today’s dolls, plush animals, or favorite toys.\u003cbr\u003eImagining such a scene offers a glimpse into how people once lived closely with nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25223\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/a98dd2f96c60221850ff92044b445ef2-1.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/2b8dc62c9a867087cc6f8c8f3f2ba550.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25224\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/2b8dc62c9a867087cc6f8c8f3f2ba550.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eLet us introduce them one by one—first, the snake. It represents the habu snake, one of Okinawa’s most well-known animals.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8912.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25254\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8912.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWhen you insert your finger all the way in, something curious happens—it won’t come out!\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/424bcc3bf29a052afe9acc278b3eb286.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25225\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/424bcc3bf29a052afe9acc278b3eb286.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIf your fingers are small, it may slip off easily, but adults should be careful not to get “bitten” by the habu.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8914.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25253\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8914.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIf it gets stuck, gently lift the mouth end to remove your finger.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/b9966e6b6392e12571935af0ace95d0e.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25226\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/b9966e6b6392e12571935af0ace95d0e.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eNext is the horse. In the Yaeyama Islands, Yonaguni horses are still carefully bred today.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/6a3d7b991e9215dcc81b9b6651f2804c.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25227\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/6a3d7b991e9215dcc81b9b6651f2804c.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eSimilar horse figures can also be found in crafts made from itaya maple in Akita Prefecture—but this one is made from southern island materials.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8917.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25256\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8917.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/87e91c77b8b37ea723ef2b512b185938.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25228\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/87e91c77b8b37ea723ef2b512b185938.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eNext is the frog.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/826fe2b351b3c5088fb4bd73709bef28.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25229\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/826fe2b351b3c5088fb4bd73709bef28.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eOkinawa is home to about 40% of all frog species found in Japan—19 species in total.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8918.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25257\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8918.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis lively frog seems full of motion—it must have been a familiar creature to children growing up in Okinawa.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/d5df253a7f6b8f9bda2e7e1d02017d94.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25230\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/d5df253a7f6b8f9bda2e7e1d02017d94.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eNext, the grasshopper. In the Okinawan dialect, it’s called “Shee,” and the types differ from island to island—\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/af2601c97c56e4df15fa711b12784d87.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25231\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/af2601c97c56e4df15fa711b12784d87.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003efor example, the Amami forest grasshopper or the Ishigaki forest grasshopper.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8915.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25258\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8915.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt looks so real, as if it might jump at any moment.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/0b816ef3432bc1006ecf70f31e9751f1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25232\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/0b816ef3432bc1006ecf70f31e9751f1.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eLastly, the dragonfly. In Okinawan dialect, it is called “Ākējū.”\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/3e923f4bd719a87eb94b01513e6e9ee2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25233\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/3e923f4bd719a87eb94b01513e6e9ee2.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThere are nearly 30 species in Okinawa, showing how familiar—and fascinating—this insect has always been to children.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8909.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25259\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_8909.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe curve of each tail seems to hold the memory of the person who made it.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven simply displayed as interior decor, they have a quiet charm.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that as these are handmade grass toys,\u003cbr\u003ethe details, shapes, and colors may vary slightly from piece to piece.\u003cbr\u003eEach batch may also differ slightly in finish, depending on the time of production.\u003cbr\u003eWe appreciate your understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese grass toys capture creatures closely connected to Okinawa and Taketomi Island—\u003cbr\u003eplease enjoy discovering them for yourself and choosing your favorite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-25234\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/9ffe53810cb71ffc125d6aa8fa0efccc.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-c1d9eb8d-c1f9-4240-a71d-9312e3973379\"\u003e＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-55983cec-9822-445e-9a26-e332d1a336d5\"\u003eOkinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands\u003cbr\u003ethat were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-abdbe3b2-dc9c-4d7c-a6c4-31674ba86e9a\"\u003eThe archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands—\u003cbr\u003ewith only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-8b701617-3cbb-4b08-bbce-016e15b7b7ee\"\u003eThe plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea,\u003cbr\u003ecarry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan.\u003cbr\u003eShaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life,\u003cbr\u003esupporting the lives of the people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-73fffdf1-7d51-4108-826e-425864242dbd\"\u003eThough each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa\u003cbr\u003egrow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"block-0b17bdb6-d277-41f7-ad5f-2e49d1f98cfd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis item ships from Japan.\u003cbr\u003eAs the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.\u003cbr\u003eThese costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.\u003cbr\u003ePlease check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"1basketry","offers":[{"title":"Snake","offer_id":45297211506837,"sku":"230610-1","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Horse","offer_id":45297211539605,"sku":"230610-2","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"Dragonfly","offer_id":45297211572373,"sku":"230610-3","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"Frog","offer_id":45297211605141,"sku":"230610-4","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"Grasshopper","offer_id":45297211637909,"sku":"230610-5","price":550.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/5_9f3caf2c-3924-473e-b642-80341b7087a2.jpg?v=1741835480","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/230610","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}