Latest Arrivals — December 24, 2025最新の入荷案内 2025.12.24
Hello, this is Aya Ichikawa from 1basketry.
In this journal, we would like to share our latest arrivals.
First, we would like to introduce this series of baskets made from Itaya maple, which have just arrived from Akita.
With a look quite different from bamboo or akebi vine, Itaya maple is known for its warm, creamy color.
The material begins as a log, which is split into roughly eight sections and then shaved into thin, tape-like strips.
These are further refined into splints about 1 mm thick and used for weaving.
The materials are harvested in autumn, before the snow begins to fall.
Any surplus is stored under the snow, which helps preserve the wood’s distinctive pale color.
This is the Round Basket in the Medium size. The inside of the basket is carefully finished as well, with a smooth and comfortable feel to the touch, making it a nice choice for storing fabric items such as towels. 
This is the Round Basket in the Small size. It is also suitable for storing items such as drip coffee bags, tea bags, seasonings, or spices. 
This is a bread basket. It makes a natural place for storing sliced bread, such as shokupan, and can also be used like a bread plate—holding cut pieces of bread and brought directly to the table. 
This is a lunch basket woven in the yotsume-ami pattern. Dry foods such as rice balls can be placed directly inside. Lining the basket with wax paper, baking paper, or thin wooden sheets (kyogi) helps keep it clean and makes it easy to use. 
This is a lunch basket woven in the ajiro-ami pattern. In addition to packed meals, it can also be used for storing everyday medicines or small personal items. 
Next is the series of lidded baskets woven in the yotsume-ami pattern. This series is available in four different sizes. 
Starting with the smallest size, this is the Small type. It works well as a container for a lunch box, or for storing small personal items. 
Next is the Medium size. This is a classic size in bamboo basketry—neither too small nor too large, but comfortably balanced and easy to use. 
This is the Large size. It is sized to fit B5 paper neatly. 
This is the XL size. The largest size in the series, it can be used as a lunch basket for three to four people, or for organizing documents. 
This is a postcard basket woven in the ajiro-ami pattern. It can be used for storing postcards and envelopes, as well as pocket photo albums, planners, or diaries. 
This is a postcard basket woven in the yotsume-ami pattern. It can be used for storing stationery, cutlery, coffee filters, or face masks. Placing a small glass jar inside also allows it to be enjoyed as a simple flower holder.
Recently, we heard from the craftsperson in Akita who makes these Itaya maple baskets.
They told us that bear damage has been particularly severe this year, and that materials could not be gathered for this year or the coming one.
It is deeply unfortunate, but after this arrival,
it seems that the Itaya maple basket series will be taking a break for some time.
They also mentioned that many of the makers are growing older,
and that production will likely become difficult in the future regardless.
When we think about items that we have been able to introduce year after year—almost as something natural—
and realize that we may no longer be able to share them in this way, our hearts quietly tighten each time.
Of course, if the situation with the bears settles down,
it may become possible to return to the mountains and gather materials again.
However, at this point, there is no clear outlook for future arrivals over the coming year.
Under these circumstances, these Itaya maple baskets were carefully delivered to us.
They are available only in limited numbers—please take your time and choose the one that speaks to you.
＊You can view the product page for the Itaya maple baskets here.
Next, we would like to introduce baskets and sieves made from shirotake (white bamboo), which have arrived from Kagawa.
This is a Laundry Basket.
Large enough to be held in the arms of an adult, it is a generously sized basket
—yet surprisingly light when lifted, considering its size.
This lightness comes from the mutsume-ami openwork weave, with its hexagonal pattern,
as well as from the use of shirotake (white bamboo).
It is a basket that combines durability with the practical functionality needed for use as a laundry basket.
This is an Accessory Basket in the Small size.
The hishime-ami weave gives it a clean and refined appearance.
The spacing of the weave is well balanced—not too open, not too dense.
It gently conceals the items placed inside the basket.
This is an Accessory Basket in the Large size. It can also be used for neatly organizing towels or clothing. 
This is a Magazine Rack. The yotsume-ami weave gives it a fresh, airy impression. Baskets in this particular form are not often seen elsewhere. 
A handle that also serves as a divider is attached at the opening of the basket, making it easy to separate and store books, magazines, or newspapers. 
From here, we move on to the series of shirotake (white bamboo) sieves. This is the Flat Basket “Asanoha Weave.” It is available in two sizes, with diameters of 25 cm and 30 cm. 
In addition to noodles such as soba, it can also be used as a plate for serving sandwiches or bread. 
It also pairs beautifully with traditional Japanese sweets, and fits naturally into New Year table settings. 
This is the Flat Basket “Kikko Weave.” Its distinctive weave allows the natural beauty of shirotake (white bamboo) to be fully appreciated. 
It can be used to serve a wide variety of dishes and ingredients, adding a pleasing atmosphere to the table. Once you begin using it, its ease and versatility may naturally lead it to appear more often in everyday meals.
As you continue to use baskets and sieves over time,
there may be moments when you notice, with quiet pleasure, that they have gradually taken on a rich, amber-toned patina.
Especially with bamboo craft, the ability to enjoy such visible changes is, perhaps, one of its true pleasures.
＊You can view the product page for the shirotake (white bamboo) baskets and trays here.
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