{"product_id":"311443","title":"Matatabi Ball Large (With Bark \/ Peeled) \/ Matatabi \/ Yamagata-JPN 311443","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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56254\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a spherical basket made from Matatabi (a vine in the kiwifruit family).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two types available: a “peeled” type, made from strips with the outer bark completely removed,\u003cbr\u003eand a “with bark” type, woven using a mix of peeled and unpeeled strips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Multiple balls are shown in the photographs, but each item is sold individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatatabi is a well-known plant in Japan.\u003cbr\u003eIt belongs to the same family as kiwifruit, and when the fruit is cut open, the seeds are arranged in a similar way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt often grows wild on mountain slopes, and is known for being time-consuming to gather.\u003cbr\u003eThe branches are harvested in autumn and dried before being made into these pieces.\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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56255\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatatabi is a relatively soft and flexible material, and in regions where bamboo is scarce—\u003cbr\u003eparticularly in Oku-Aizu in Fukushima and parts of Yamagata—\u003cbr\u003eit has long been used to make everyday tools such as kitchen strainers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may have seen toys filled with matatabi powder,\u003cbr\u003ebut this piece is made entirely from matatabi itself.\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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56256\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatatabi balls used as cat toys are usually small, around 6–7 cm in diameter,\u003cbr\u003ebut this piece is a larger size, made specially at our request, measuring about 10 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the reasons we asked for this larger size was a feeling we had while raising children—\u003cbr\u003ethat there are few opportunities for babies to come into contact with baskets made from natural materials from an early age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith that in mind, we asked Kaoru to create this size as a toy that can be enjoyed not only by cats,\u003cbr\u003ebut also by human babies.\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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56257\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs they are woven, each piece is very lightweight, making them easy for small children and cats to play with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are usually finished as simple baskets, but depending on the materials available to Kaoru,\u003cbr\u003esome pieces may include matatabi fruit inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that we will select one for you from the available stock at the time,\u003cbr\u003eand specific requests cannot be accommodated.\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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56258\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003e*The basket used to hold the balls is not for sale.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome cats may react quite strongly, so please follow the precautions below when using this item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• Reactions may vary—some cats may appear intoxicated or become highly excited.\u003cbr\u003e* Please always use under the supervision of the owner.\u003cbr\u003e* Some cats may show no interest at all.\u003cbr\u003e* When not in use, store it in a drawer or place out of reach of your cat.\u003cbr\u003e* The natural scent of matatabi will gradually fade over time.\u003cbr\u003e* Do not allow prolonged play for extended periods.\u003cbr\u003e* Returns cannot be accepted based on a cat’s reaction or lack of reaction.\u003cbr\u003e* If a woven strip comes loose due to impact, gently press it back into place.\u003cbr\u003e* You may thread string or yarn through the weave if you wish to hang or attach it.\u003cbr\u003e* Cracks may occur as the material dries; this is a natural characteristic and not a defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same care applies when used by children—if any irregularity is noticed during use, please stop using it immediately.\u003cbr\u003eFor safety, we recommend use under adult supervision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can also enjoy the natural character of matatabi, reminiscent of the mountain environment.\u003cbr\u003eWe hope it brings a pleasant moment to your home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two types available: a “peeled” type, made from strips with the outer bark completely removed,\u003cbr\u003eand a “with bark” type, woven using a mix of peeled and unpeeled strips.\u003cbr\u003ePlease select your preferred type.\u003cbr\u003e*Multiple balls are shown in the photographs, but each item is sold individually.\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\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-56259\"\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","brand":"1basketry","offers":[{"title":"Peeled","offer_id":47293958848661,"sku":"311443-1","price":11000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"With Bark","offer_id":47293958881429,"sku":"311443-2","price":12100.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime_TOTa20260417_Kaoru_10.jpg?v=1777875207","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/311443","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}