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Bamboo work began primarily as the side work of samurai during the early days of the Edo Period. In the 19th century, the feudal lord in Okazaki, who was skilled in the art of bamboo weaving, passed on his techniques to Shimizu Inobei. Using these techniques, he made candy bowls and insect cages to sell to travelers on the Tokaido path. In the 6th year of Meiji (1873), "Suruga Bamboo" was appointed as a special Japanese product through the overseas trade policies by the new Meiji government, and appeared at the international exhibition in Vienna. The fine detail of the bamboo stalks and the precision craftsmanship earned the high praise over the special products from various other Western countries, and thus opened up the opportunity for many other goods to be exported overseas. Subsequently, the techniques were further refined to sensibly meet the needs of the era. From the beginning of the Showa Era, all items such as tobacco trays, candy bowls, and pen cases were coated in laquer, and they recieve high praise both domestically and overseas.

"Suruga Bamboo Ware" differs from knitted bamboo work in that it utilizes rounded bamboo stalks in its construction. It is prepared through a process that utilizes the long-jointed, soft, and easy to process Matake Bamboo together with the hard and thick Moso Bamboo in a way preserves the detailed, natural beauty of bamboo. This process has been highly acclaimed overseas. Bamboo arts require a strength that's unthinkable given the detailed beauty. The bamboo is split to make the materials, and then heat is added and the bamboo is curved, thinned, then splints are made by passing through each other. The thin and rounded down bamboo splints are further curved through a process that uses a bamboo wheel. Through this, various different shapes can be accomplished, each which allows you to feel the warmth and softness of the splints. Each step of the process is very important - one failure will result in a loss of the shape, until the whole thing falls apart. Without extremely polished and refined skills, the incredible detail of bamboo ware would not be possible.

Making the Splints The splints are also known as "sensuji" (1000 threads), and are prepared by thinly cutting down the bamboo. It is said that 1000 of these splints can fit into a space of one yard (approx. 90 cm). Just the process of cutting down these splints require a great deal of technical skill.	Opening a Hole A mark that representing an opening is applied before the bamboo is curved. A machine called a bowl tray is used to open the holes one by one while looking at the mark.	Making the Ring Heat is applied by an electrical soldering iron to curve the bamboo. The bamboo is cooled about 30 seconds after curving to create the beautiful round shape.	Assembly Each split is carefully inserted to make the finished product. Since the holes and the curves have been carefully crafted, it makes for an appealing finish.

Flower Vase Yamato JPY 25,000 Flower vase where the top portion is large and stretches easily. Since it's large, we recommend it for any large alcove or any halls where people will gather for a Japanese taste. The urethane paint gradation gives this item a relaxed feel. Wonderful as a large housewarming gift.

Japanese Insect Cage　[Large] JPY 65,300 High quality insect cage that could only be owned by feudal lords and wealthy merchants during the Edo Period. The bird and insect cage that features a rounded, curved roof has been called since ancient times a Japanese style.

Wind Chime Pure JPY 11,300 Wind chime made from black bamboo in the crescent moon shape for a feeling like the blowing wind. Just place it as is for a trendy interior.

	President of the Shizuoka Prefecture Association of Traditional Industrial Artisans Since he was 16 years old, he has been working with bamboo threads for 60 years. He has won several awards, and plays an active part in performances overseas, such as New York and Beijing.. His accomplished skills and simple designs are very popular.		Came to study under his father, the Traditional Industrial Artisan Eiichi Kuroda, in 1989. He formed the bamboo wares company Hanabusa Ltd., in 1994, and as a craftsman he is working on his own various designs and projects. He is currently in training to become a Traditional Industrial Artisan.

Drawing upon the concept of "Chikuhaku keishin" (calm mind and spirit) which was established from 1797 by Kurazo Omura, he has taken on the name "Chikushinbo" (bamboo spirit) to inherit the tradition and legacy of his predecessors. He has won many awards and public commendations.	As a member of the union, he has received the highest prize at the New Bamboo Works Exhibition, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Tokyo Bureau Director's Prize, 5 times on his own. Anyone who sees his mastery of all types of bamboo weaving, as well as the flowing curves of the 1000 thread style, is sure to be surprised.	Striving to preserve the inherited traditional arts while creating fresh new innovative designs.	Mastery over not just the 1000 threads bamboo craft, but of all bamboo weaving arts. Known for his works which combine the intricate rounded splints, his large flower vases and unique bamboo works are among the finest in the industry.