Handicrafts Weave a Gentle Early Summer
The other day, as I walked through the city, my eyes were drawn to someone carrying a refreshing basket bag.
Their appearance was so lovely that when I went home and started researching "whose basket it could be," I came across "Miyamoto Kogei."
Baskets woven from natural vines using traditional methods.
They were more than just bags; they felt like gentle tools that quietly nestled into the lives of their users.
The charm of Miyamoto Kogei is not limited to basket bags.
Small baskets quietly useful in various parts of the house, such as the living room, kitchen, and entryway.
They are full of the joy of incorporating them into your life as interior decorations, whether by rolling up your favorite cloth inside or using them as storage baskets.
As the early summer light becomes dazzling and we crave a cool sensation,
baskets made from natural materials offer not only a refreshing appearance but also a lightness when held and even the shadows cast through their weaves feel comfortable.
Handicrafts from "Miyamoto Kogei" in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Miyamoto Kogei is a traditional craft workshop founded in 1949 in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture.
The Akebia vines they use are both flexible and durable.
They start as a light brown color, but as they are used, they come into contact with hand oils and air, gradually changing into a deep amber color.
Resistant to losing shape and water, and materials that can be enjoyed as they age are truly "tools that grow with you."
Furthermore, at Miyamoto Kogei, one craftsman is consistently responsible for everything from sorting materials to weaving.
This creates a unique expression and strength characteristic of handicrafts that mass production can never achieve.
Even with the same weaving technique, the individuality of each vine and the craftsman's touch make each piece one-of-a-kind.
The more you use it, the more you can feel that difference as your own unique charm.
I felt a special feeling and deep attachment to the certainty of the materials, the joy of nurturing them, and the perfection and warmth created by the consistent "solo work."
Pot Stands
This time, I welcomed several items that would accompany me in my daily life.
After using them, I was surprised by their perfect balance of practicality and beauty.
Beyond the beauty of the weave, their structure is also excellent. The air layers created between the stitches prevent heat from accumulating, effectively dissipating the heat from pots. They prevent damage to the table and bring comfort to daily mealtimes.
There are four sizes: 4-sun, 5-sun, 6-sun, and 7-sun.
It's also great that you can choose according to your tableware, such as a 5-sun for a glass pot or a 7-sun for an iron frying pan or earthenware pot.
They are so beautiful they look good even when hung in the kitchen, making you want to leave them out even after the season changes.
The gradual deepening of their color and luster with long-term use, and how they blend into daily life, is another joy.
Trash Can
Trash cans often feel like something to hide, but Akebia trash cans possess a beauty that makes you want to "show them off."
They have a warmth that plastic cannot replicate and a gentle atmosphere unique to natural materials. Like the pot stands, their woven design provides excellent ventilation, preventing moisture buildup and suppressing odors and mold growth—a practical aspect.
If you discreetly set a commercially available trash bag inside, it maintains functionality without compromising its aesthetic appeal, serving as a subtle yet significant accent that harmonizes your room's atmosphere. For everyday items that we use casually, it's desirable to choose such carefully crafted pieces.
Round Basket with Two Handles
This "round basket with two handles" has a plump, rounded shape with sturdy handles on both sides.
It's a reliable item that can play various roles in daily life, depending on how you use it.
There are three sizes.
The medium size is perfect for blankets or lap blankets, a smaller one for gathering slippers,
and the largest size is ideal for storing pet bedding or seasonal bedding.
Woven from flexible Akebia vines, the basket is surprisingly light and sturdy for its appearance.
It's also easy to carry, a welcome feature for quick movement during cleaning.
Baskets made from natural materials not only serve as storage but also subtly soften the daily scenery. They gently blend into your life, becoming tools that bring comfort to both your eyes and heart.
A Landscape with Baskets and the Space in Life
As the early summer sun grows strong, my eyes naturally turn to handcrafted baskets.
The shadows falling through the gaps in the vines and their simple texture provide a soothing space in my busy days.
They are not displayed for show, but rather naturally blend into daily life as they are used.
Their mere presence brings a sense of tranquility to the space, and I truly love how they bring a subtle sense of "order" to everyday life.
Once you welcome one, then another.
Even if you don't have a specific use in mind, simply thinking "this basket is somehow nice" is enough.
Naturally, a role will emerge in your daily life, and before you know it, you'll always find yourself reaching for it.
Surely, the longer you use a basket, the more it will remember its owner's life.
With each passing season, it will gradually acquire a luster, quietly reflecting that person's individuality.
In the early summer light, I hope to continue to carefully choose such handicrafts that embrace "the space in life,"
one by one.
