EBITANI KOGEI

Storage Paper Basket / Small

$6,500.00

Description

Product Description : Why is it so EXPENSIVE?

Product Story

General Product Information

It is an eco-friendly product made entirely of paper. It is so strong, lightweight, and long-lasting that you may wonder if it is really made only of paper. It has a finishing with persimmon tannin (persimmon tannin has insecticide, antiseptic, and water repellent properties).
This small box can be used for storing valuables and memorabilia, and is also recommended for interior decoration! Why don't you enjoy spending time with Omi Ikkan-bari and see the changes in color and luster that only persimmon tannin lacquering can bring?

Product History

When did these crafts start to craft?：70 years ago / 1950AD / Showa period in Japan

It has been 50 years since the first generation, Kinsuke Ebitani, invented this product. Currently, the third generation (his grand-son), Ryota Ebitani, inherits the skill and spirit. In a world where the SDGs have been raised, he continues to appeal not only domestically but also internationally by making boxes using paper, a material that is friendly to the global environment. Suigenkyo believes that this product will be one of the leaders of Japanese crafts in the future with its reliable technology and ambition.

Craftsman Story

Craftsman Profile

Ryota Ebitani / Ebitani Kogei
He is a third generation of a craftsman family that have been making Omi Ikanbari in Shiga Prefecture since 1969. He has a unique background, having worked as a pastry chef and a motorcycle racer before joining the family business. He is also working on designs that match the modern market, and he hopes to create products that will be used by the younger generation.

Craftsman Passion

"Live a life with a passion so that you can die laughing at the moment of death. Leave no regrets, live life to the fullest"
Even if my profession has changed, the importance of these words and beliefs that I received when I was a motorcycle racer has not changed. Now, as a craftsman of Omi Ikkanbari, I want people all over the world to experience our products from the viewpoint of SDGs and eco-friendliness.

Achievement

Exhibited at Milan Design Week

Your Contribution to Craftsman

Customer Voice

Due to the market structure (link for full articles are attached bottom), craftsman have not known who the customer is and how customer reacts to their work. We made a “Message to Craftsman” box at purchase page. We will deliver all message to every craftsman. Our review will be also shared to craftsman so please leave your comment and evaluation on review section!

Income for Craftsman: Craftsman get only less than 10% of selling price?

As written above, craftsman have not controlled last phase of sales channel that resulting in selling price is set by third-party without craftsman’s recognition. There are some cases that only less than 10% of selling price is given to craftsman. We promise with our customer / craftsman that we offer the fair trade with craftsmen in our contract!

We made an article about above problem and our challenge. Please have a read from below link.
Current state of the Crafts Market / Benefits brought by Suigenkyo

Measurement

Width：23cm
Depth：18cm
Height：9.5cm
Weight：230g

Material & Caution

Materials

Paper
Persimmon tannin

Caution

Individual Difference

Each piece is handmade, so there are individual differences even in the same series. We hope that you will understand the change by handmade.

Made to Order

Basically, this product is made to order, so it takes about 2~3 months from order to delivery. Please note that there may be unavoidable delays in delivery due to material shortages or delays in the production process.

Manufacturing Process

ARTISAN

EBITANI KOGEI

"Live a life with a passion so that you can die laughing at the moment of death. Leave no regrets, live life to the fullest"

Even if my profession has changed, the importance of these words and beliefs that I received when I was a motorcycle racer has not changed. Now, as a craftsman of Omi lacquered paper craft, I want people all over the world to experience our products from the viewpoint of SDGs and eco-friendliness.

ARTISAN STORY

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Exhibited at Milan Design Week

KOGEI

OMI IKKANBARI / OMI LACQUERED PAPER CRAFT

About 400 years ago / 1600s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Ikkanbari is made by layering washi over bamboo baskets or wooden forms and finishing the surface with persimmon tannin or lacquer. One tradition traces the technique to the Chinese-born craftsman Hirai Ikkan in the early Edo period. In Omi it became connected with tea utensils and practical household containers.

In Japan, Ikkanbari bowls and boxes are admired because they are lighter than wood yet far stronger than people expect from paper. The technique appears in tea ware, confectionery containers, baskets and bags, and contemporary makers sometimes incorporate old printed paper or calligraphy to create unique surfaces.

Its greatest surprise is that paper becomes a structural material. A single sheet tears easily, but layers placed in different fiber directions and hardened with tannin or lacquer become remarkably durable. The principle resembles a composite material—turning weakness into strength through lamination centuries before modern engineering.

Color:

Default Title

Variant

Storage Paper Basket / Small

$6,500.00