Katsuyama Take Zaiku

Made to be used

Katsuyama Take Zaiku has always been made first and foremost as practical ware. The baskets are simple but have real presence, and they are known for being easy to use and durable, at home on Japanese or Western tables. Classic pieces are soke, shallow kitchen baskets, including ones for draining rice and for keeping cooked rice. It is made in Maniwa in Okayama, along with bread baskets, serving baskets, vases and wall hangings.

Green bamboo, as it is

Madake bamboo is used without bleaching and without peeling its skin. In the preparation stage, pieces are measured with a gauge called a sun-take according to the product and part, and cleaned by rubbing with wet straw. Then come weaving and final finishing.

Since the early 19th century

Katsuyama Take Zaiku began in the early 19th century, and by the end of the Edo period it had taken shape as a production area. A basket called a hari-soki, thought to date from the late Edo period and related to today's soke, has survived.