{"product_id":"311421-2","title":"Cat Toy Ball \/ Matatabi Vine \/ Yamagata-JPN 311421-2","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311421_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56509\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small spherical basket made from Matatabi vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e9a6386bf8bcf322e9bb270dd47f72fb-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25592\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatatabi vine is well known in Japan and belongs to the same family as the kiwi fruit.\u003cbr\u003eWhen you cut its fruit open, the arrangement of the seeds looks remarkably similar.\u003cbr\u003eIt grows wild on mountain slopes and is known for being very labor-intensive to harvest.\u003cbr\u003eThe branches are harvested in autumn, then dried before being used for weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 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\/e08a881e5c2545547e3b241b9ade9c94-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e08a881e5c2545547e3b241b9ade9c94-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25593\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe overall weave is tight and dense, with few gaps. This version keeps part of the natural bark on the vine and contains dried Matatabi vine fruits inside, making it especially rich in aroma.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/79e1f44a347bb3d2679526af422324c6-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/79e1f44a347bb3d2679526af422324c6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25594\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIn its production region, it is known as a “cat toy” or “Matatabi ball.”\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/7e8e7aea09bddf4d295a12d9679283eb-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/7e8e7aea09bddf4d295a12d9679283eb-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25595\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe branches retain a slight greenish hue, and you can almost sense the fragrance. Matatabi vine is famous for its appeal to cats, especially Japanese breeds, and is often used to make toys for them.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e8ab1731d9bb3a2ea7a828b578ea3156-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e8ab1731d9bb3a2ea7a828b578ea3156-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25596\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt is a relatively soft and flexible material. In regions where bamboo is scarce—such as Oku-Aizu in Fukushima and parts of Yamagata—it has long been used to make household baskets and strainers. Unlike products that simply include Matatabi vine powder, this piece itself is made entirely from Matatabi vine.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/5b8ae9584ea3c3eb90791f519eba7a9e-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/5b8ae9584ea3c3eb90791f519eba7a9e-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-25597\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eInside are multiple dried Matatabi vine fruits. When you shake the ball, you can hear the faint rustling sound of the fruit inside.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/r311421-2_3.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/r311421-2_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56511\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311421_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56515\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome cats may react very strongly, so please follow the guidelines below when playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e・Use only under supervision, as some cats may act intoxicated or overexcited.\u003cbr\u003e・Some cats may show no interest at all.\u003cbr\u003e・Store out of reach when not in use.\u003cbr\u003e・The natural fragrance will fade gradually over time.\u003cbr\u003e・Do not allow prolonged play sessions.\u003cbr\u003e・We cannot accept returns based on the cat’s reaction or lack of interest.\u003cbr\u003e・If a strip comes loose, simply press or weave it back into place.\u003cbr\u003e・You may thread a string through the weave to hang or attach it as you like.\u003cbr\u003e・Some bark may flake off, and small cracks may appear due to drying—these are natural and not defects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311421_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56513\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt fits comfortably within both hands and is easy to handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311421_4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56517\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFreshly delivered pieces from the region carry a noticeable fragrance, even to the human nose.\u003cbr\u003eThe texture and appearance reflect the true character of Matatabi vine growing in the mountains.\u003cbr\u003ePlease enjoy playful moments with your cat and the natural scent of the mountains at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311421_2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56514\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForms that captivate, born from the rich materials of Yamagata\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing a variety of mountain materials—Grapevine, walnut, Akebi, and Matatabi—\u003cbr\u003eKaoru Saito creates a succession of unique forms rarely seen elsewhere, as well as refined basketry that quietly draws the eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many years, she has gone into the mountains herself to gather materials,\u003cbr\u003ecarrying out every step of the process from the very beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fact, Kaoru is also a highly skilled maker capable of producing finely woven Grapevine tote baskets of exceptional quality.\u003cbr\u003eThe accessories and ornaments she creates from multiple materials all carry a sense of considered beauty,\u003cbr\u003ewhile also reflecting playfulness and thoughtful attention to the user.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe has a deep understanding of each material, and is also a user herself, incorporating baskets, accessories,\u003cbr\u003eand small objects into her daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListening closely to the voices of those who use her work,\u003cbr\u003eshe continues to explore how pieces can be made more comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable to use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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":"Default Title","offer_id":43842861793429,"sku":"311421-2","price":6820.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime311421_1.jpg?v=1779259386","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/311421-2","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}