Decorative Box / Straw Work / Geometric Pattern

The production process begins with the growing of straw.
The harvested straw is dyed, cut, and hand-applied one by one to the box, which is then decorated with geometric patterns.
The carefully dyed straw gives off a unique shine.

The small size of the box makes it ideal for storing accessories and other small objects.

Width：11.5cm
Depth : 7.5cm
Height : 3.6cm
Weight : 50g

Wood
Straw

STRAW CRAFT STUDIO KAMIYA

"The universal brilliance of Japanese straw craft"

Japanese straw craft, made from barley straw, develops a deep flavor as it is used more and more, and its silky smooth texture and elegant luster create a look that will never grow old.
We would like to share the charm of Japanese straw craft with the world by having people take it in their hands.

ARTISAN STORY

Toshiaki Kamiya / Kamiya Straw Craft Shop
Mr. Kamiya is the third generation of the “Kamiya Straw Craft Shop” and is currently making Japanese straw craft in Kinosaki, Hyogo Prefecture.
The Japanese straw craft technique has been handed down only in Kinosaki in Japan, and there are currently only five craftsmen. One of them is Kamiya.
His artistically fragrant creations have earned him a reputation as an exceptional craftsman.

WARA ZAIKU / JAPANESE STRAW CRAFT

About 300 years ago / 1700s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kinosaki straw craft is said to have begun in the Edo period when a traveler visiting the hot-spring town decorated flutes and spinning tops with colored barley straw and sold them to help pay for lodging. Over time, artisans learned to dye, split and arrange the straw into geometric surfaces on paulownia boxes, transforming a souvenir into a highly refined decorative craft.

Straw is normally an ordinary agricultural by-product in Japan, making Kinosaki’s use of it as a lustrous decorative material especially unusual. Today the technique survives in boxes, framed works, accessories and other objects closely associated with the identity of the hot-spring town.

The material itself is the surprise. Once dyed, barley straw can produce brilliant color, and polishing gives it a sheen that can resemble silk or even metallic foil. A humble plant stem becomes a mosaic-like surface simply through the direction of the cut and the precision of placement.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.