Miyabi Andon Round Bamboo Basket

This basket initially designed for serving sweets is made using the Awaji weaving technique. The weaving pattern on top is very beautiful and also provides stability to the cover. The outer parts is made with round bamboo splits whereas the bottom uses flat ones. Thicker bamboo parts are used to make the solid border that also hold the round splits.

Two different types of aged bamboo give this basket a deep natural color that emphasizes the bright decoration on the sides.

Miyabi Ando Bamboo Basketry has been established by Sanji Sugiyama. It is located in Shizuoka prefecture in proximity of Mount Fuji and nowadays is run by the third generation of the Sugiyama family. The six craftsmen working at the Miyabi Ando workshop are well known for the high quality of their designs and craft. In 1973 Miyabi Ando was recognized as official producer of Suruga Basketry by the Japanese government.

In contrast with much of Japan's basketry, which is made from flat, narrow strips of bamboo, Suruga basketry employs round splints without the skin shaved off. It is a typical craft from Shizuoka prefecture that dates back to the beginning of the Edo period (1600 - 1868) when warriors almost exclusively made bamboo goods as a side job in more peaceful times. Being located on the highly frequented Tokaido road in between Edo and Kyoto Suruga basketry became very popular as a gift for those who stayed at home.