Bamboo Basket Square Tote - Black Handles
$ 395.00 USD
Pickup currently unavailable
Crafted using the traditional techniques of Beppu bamboo basketry, this square-shaped tote embodies the artistry and heritage of Japanese craftsmanship. Designed for both elegance and functionality, it features soft leather handles with a slimmer width for comfortable carrying. Its spacious interior easily accommodates A4-sized documents or a 13-inch laptop, along with other daily essentials. A leather cover and small hook closure at the top provide extra security while maintaining a sleek, minimalist design.
This tote has been a signature piece of Tamotsu Nishimoto for many years. In Japan, it is typically made to order with an approximate six-month wait, but we have worked closely with Tamotsu to secure a limited number in stock, ready to ship worldwide.
Bamboo is incredibly strong and durable, especially when woven into baskets. Over time, the surface develops a beautiful caramel brown patina, deepening in color over 10 to 20 years—a testament to its longevity when well cared for.
- This listing is for square shape with black leather handles. Also available in tanned leather handles, and in a round shape.
- Shipping: This item will be shipped via EMS (Japan Post/USPS) where available, even if UPS is selected at checkout. If you prefer UPS shipping, we are happy to arrange it for an additional shipping fee.
Measurements (Approximately): 33cm (W) x 12cm (D) x 24cm (H) / 13"(W) x 4.7" (D) x 9.4" (H), Handle is 15mm wide
Materials: Madake Bamboo from Kyushu, leather
Handcrafted in Oita, Japan
ABOUT THE MATERIAL
Bamboo is one of the most characteristic plants of Japan and high quality Madake - a type of bamboo these bags are created with - are grown predominantly in Beppu City of Oita prefecture in Kyushu, where the maker bamboo craft artist Tamotsu Nishimoto is based. The well crafted bamboo totes that are created using techniques of the Beppu Bambooware - a governmentally designated traditional craft of Oita- can be enjoyed for a life-time if used with care. Bamboo is very strong and durable especially knitted and woven to be baskets and the surface ages beautifully turning a lovely and shiny caramel brown colour after 10-20 years.
The basket is made with madake bamboo from Oita prefecture with natural finish without any coating or painting. The surface although left uncoated it has toughness that resembles that of enamel or glass and water or dirt can be easily wiped off. (If left wet for a while the colour of bamboo may get darker but it will be back to what it was before after it dries.)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Tamotsu Nishimoto is a bamboo craft artist who produces beautiful bamboo crafts -bags and baskets for everyday use- in Beppu, Oita prefecture. Originally from Chiba a neighbor prefecture of Tokyo, after working for an electronic manufacturing company Tamotsu moved to Beppu to be trained for bamboo ware making and became a bamboo craft artist and started his own brand Tamotsu Seisakujo Bamboo Works in 2010. Oita is the number one producer of madake Japanese timber bamboo and Beppu bamboo ware is a governmentally designated traditional craft of Oita.
