KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) originated in the early 19th century, and by the end of the Edo period, it had established itself as a well-established production center.
In relation to their main products, "sōke" and "meshizōke," a bamboo basket called "harisōki," believed to have been made in the late Edo period, has been passed down to the present day.

• Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques/raw materials

  Technology/techniques

  1. "Preparation" shall be carried out using the following techniques or methods:
  (1) Use "sun-take" for "sun-tori".
  (2) After washing, perform the outer segment trimming and rough splitting.
  (3) When making "ring bamboo", the process involves "removing the inner joint", "determining the width", and "chamfering". In this case, for those used for "soke", "meshizouke", and "komeagezouke", the process involves "shaping the ends".
  (4) The outer rim is made by "shaving", "width setting", and "chamfering". In this case, for those used for "soke" and "meshizouke", the edges are "shaved".
  (5) The "inner rim" is made by "determining the thickness", "determining the width", and "chamfering". In this case, for those used in "sou-ke" and "meshi-sou-ke", the edges are "shaved".
  (6) The preparation of "hotake" involves "determining the thickness," "determining the width," and "splitting into thin pieces." In this case, for those used for "soke" and "meshizouke," the ends shall be trimmed.
  (7) The "core bone" and "small bone" are made by "determining the width," "shaping," and "determining the thickness." In this case, those used for the "groove" are made by "finishing."
  (8) The process of making "higo" involves "hechiri," "nakawari," "thickness determination," "width determination," and "chamfering." In this case, for those used in "souuke," "meshizouke," and "komeagezouke," "thin splitting" is performed.
  (9) The "outer brace" and "inner brace" are made by "shaving", "width setting", and "chamfering". In the case of the "outer brace", the "edge is trimmed".
  (10) The construction of the "tsuru" and "kougai" involves "determining the thickness," "determining the width," "chamfering," and "trimming the edges."
  (11) Making the "legs" involves "cutting" and "chamfering".
  (12) Making a wedge involves determining the thickness, determining the width, and trimming the end.

   

  2. "Knitting" shall be performed using the following techniques or methods:
  (1) To make a ring.
  (2) After performing the "intermediate braiding," perform the "small bone splitting" and "strip weaving." In this case, the "intermediate braiding" and "strip weaving" shall be done using the "mat weave."

   

  3. The "edge finishing" shall be done using "edge trim finishing".

   

  4. In the case of the "gutter," a "wedge" should be inserted.

   

  raw materials

  The bamboo used must be Madake bamboo or of equivalent quality.

   

• Work scene

  Work scene

  Touching KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) gives you the feeling of the craftsman's warm touch. Everything is handmade using traditional methods, with each piece carefully crafted by hand. The process can be broadly divided into four stages: cutting, washing the bamboo, splitting the bamboo, and weaving.

  Step 1: Cutting and washing the bamboo

  First, bamboo is cut from the bamboo grove using a bamboo saw, but the timing of the cutting is crucial. Cutting at the wrong time can lead to insect damage and a decline in quality. Every year, the cutting season is from November to December. During this time, a year's worth of bamboo is cut and stored in a well-ventilated, shady place. Next, before starting the crafting process, the bamboo is scrubbed thoroughly with a brush. This removes all dirt from the bamboo.

  Step 2: Splitting bamboo

  Next, we move on to the bamboo splitting process. Using a special bamboo hatchet, we first split pieces of bamboo, which are cut to lengths of about 1 meter, or up to 5 meters depending on the product, in half. This process is called rough splitting. At this stage, it's important that the hatchet isn't too sharp. If it's too sharp, it can cause injury, so we make sure it's sharp enough. Then, we split the bamboo into even thinner pieces, a process called fine splitting. The hatchet used at this stage is the opposite of the previous one; it's sharpened so well that it can shave a beard. The sharpness of the hatchet is said to affect the shine of the finished product. In this way, we create the frame and the finishing edges, and then we make the bamboo strips by making them even thinner.

  

  Bamboo crafts utilize the green, blue surface of the bamboo. Therefore, finished products initially have a fresh, vibrant green color and a strong bamboo scent. However, with continued use, they gradually develop an amber color and a beautiful sheen. Both the initial green, youthful appearance and the aged, richer color have their own unique charms, adding to the enjoyment of using them. Furthermore, in traditional crafts, each bamboo strip is carefully beveled, preventing small items like grains of rice from getting caught.
  Beginners usually start by learning the weaving process, which is the next step in the process. Splitting the bamboo is more difficult and involves more weight. It is said that it takes two to three years to master the technique of splitting bamboo.

  

  Step 3: Knitting

  And so, finally, we begin the weaving process of the bamboo. First, in a process called "shikake," the frame is determined based on the dimensions of specially made bamboo from the past. The bamboo strips are then placed vertically, and the ribs are threaded horizontally through it. The movements of the craftsman's fingers as they sort the bamboo strips at this stage are truly remarkable. Next, we move on to the "nakagumi" process. Now it's time to thread the bamboo strips through the ribs.

  

  The challenge here lies with the bamboo nodes, which are either aligned or deliberately slightly offset to create a pattern. This is truly a display of craftsmanship and skill.
  In this way, we add the bamboo strips one after another, constantly paying attention to the overall shape. If we don't like the shape while weaving, one of the good things about bamboo is that we can make some adjustments. The corners and the very last finishing touches are important points. This is where the quality of the product is determined. For the rim, we use natural tsuzura (bamboo baskets) that are also sourced from the local Katsuyama area. Products that use tsuzura for the rim are designated as traditional crafts. Those with the rim tied with wire are a simplified version.

  

  工程4： 完成

  And so, it is only after the craftsman's time and effort that it is finally completed.

  

   
• Close-up

  Close-up

  The beauty and skill of Madake bamboo: KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry)

  The "soke" is a common sight on every farm. Its form has remained unchanged for generations because it is so convenient for farmers to use. KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) have elevated this simple yet highly practical craft to the realm of natural art through the skills of master craftsmen.

   

  Katsuyama, a village with a long tradition of bamboo craftsmanship.

  Katsuyama Town, located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, is about a two-hour drive from Okayama City. It is in this tranquil mountain village that KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) are made. It is unclear who first introduced the bamboo crafting techniques to this area, but it is said that the skills have been passed down from craftsman to craftsman for 160 to 170 years. Historical documents indicate that the village was a thriving center of bamboo craftsmanship during the late Edo period.

  

  The charming townscape of Katsuyama

  A variety of bamboo craft products to suit different lifestyles

  The "mizouke," "daizouke," "komeagekago," and "hankago" are commonly seen in the yards of farmers' homes. These are the four items designated as traditional crafts. They are useful not only for storing grains such as rice, but also for storing vegetables and for carrying soil and sand during civil engineering work. In addition, various other designs are produced to suit the trends of the times, including folk crafts such as "suehiro," "dojokago," and "biku," as well as practical items such as "kuzubago," "pankago," and "morikago," and "hanasai" that are well-suited to tea rooms. Almost any bamboo craft can be made to order. These were widely sold through itinerant trade throughout the five prefectures of the Chugoku region, and their ease of use and durability made them popular, earning KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) a reputation.

  

  Finished KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) products

  Madake bamboo that grew healthily in Katsuyama

  The charm of KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) lies not only in the superb skills of experienced craftsmen, but also in the use of moso bamboo and wicker baskets harvested from local bamboo groves. A bamboo grove stands just behind the workshop, with magnificent, lush green bamboo towering above. Of this bamboo, only those that are 3 to 5 years old are cut. This is because bamboo of that age is the best in terms of elasticity, resilience, and luster. The quality of the finished product largely depends on the material. Moso bamboo meets all the conditions: resilience and luster, long intervals between nodes, a thick base, straight and honest growth, and high quality bamboo. The growing location also affects the quality, but in Katsuyama's blessed natural environment, moso bamboo suitable for bamboo crafts grows. The next important factor is the timing of cutting the bamboo. Cutting at the wrong time can lead to a decrease in quality and the risk of insect damage. Every year, the bamboo used as material is cut from November to December. The bamboo cut at this time is stored in a well-ventilated, shady place and used throughout the year. "Look for good bamboo and cut it at the right time" is apparently the motto of the craftsmen.

  

  The raw material is bamboo and the original dimensions

  The encounter of supple green bamboo and skilled craftsmanship.

  Stepping into the workshop, the refreshing scent of fresh bamboo is incredibly pleasant to the nose. Mr. Kawamoto is a seasoned veteran with 50 years of experience in this field. He says that he naturally followed in his footsteps because both his father and grandfather were bamboo craftsmen. He says it takes about five years to be able to do most of the work properly on your own, and another five years to be able to produce work that anyone would consider good. Indeed, watching his hands, you can see that they manipulate the bamboo with a delicacy that is hard to imagine from their rough appearance. This is what you call masterful skill.
  "What makes me happy is when I create something I'm pleased with. It's especially rewarding when customers who love my work come from far away and praise it," says Kawamoto, smiling, a stark contrast to the serious expression he has while splitting bamboo. On the other hand, he says the hardest part is "washing the bamboo in the freezing cold of winter. It's not just cold, it's painful. In fact, you can even cut your hands." But how great must the joy be when you overcome such hard work and create something you're satisfied with? Numerous finished bamboo crafts, each with its own beautiful curves. In Kawamoto's hands, the bamboo seems to be at his mercy. However, as you can tell with a slight touch, it's also very resilient and stubborn, not easily manipulated. This fortunate encounter between the highly resilient bamboo and the skilled craftsmanship of a master artisan—this is what KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) is all about.

  

  Bamboo grove behind the workshop

  The allure of bamboo, which develops a beautiful sheen over time.

  The bamboo splitting process involves using four types of blades, including hatchets and bamboo saws. Furthermore, instead of using rulers or scales, they employ an original method using bamboo marked with traditional symbols. This is a fascinating example that succinctly illustrates that KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) craftsmanship is not about measurements, but about learning and passing on skills through experience.
  While brand-new, vibrant green bamboo crafts are appealing, along with their fragrance, they become even more cherished as they age, turning brown and developing a beautiful sheen. This is a testament to the quality of carefully selected moso bamboo. When combined with the craftsman's skill and the user's affection, KATSUYAMA Take Zaiku (Bamboo Basketry) crafts become even more exquisite.

  

  Kawamoto-san's skillful hands

  Craftsman Profile

  Taketo Kawamoto

  A veteran with 50 years of experience in this field. He is a bamboo craftsman and also serves as the sales manager of the Katsuyama Bamboo Crafts Cooperative.

  Anecdotes

  The benefits of bamboo in everyday life

  Bamboo, often referred to as one of the auspicious symbols of pine, bamboo, and plum, is a symbol of good fortune. This is likely due to people's desire to emulate its powerful life force, which allows it to withstand the cold of winter, not break in the snow, remain lush and green, and grow in about three years. However, recently, there has been a surge in people seeking the power of not only bamboo itself, but also bamboo charcoal! Bamboo charcoal is made by burning bamboo at over 900 degrees Celsius. When viewed under a microscope, it is clear that it is densely covered with tiny holes running vertically and horizontally. The number of these holes is said to be 2.5 times that of binchotan charcoal. It can be used to deodorize and dehumidify rooms, and when added to rice when cooking, it makes fluffy, mineral-rich, and delicious rice.

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    The bamboo forest itself has the benefits of forest bathing.

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    Bamboo products that are an integral part of daily life