Chichibu Bamboo Basketry

Chichibu Bamboo Basketry is a folk basketry tradition originating in the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture, Japan. It is primarily associated with the production of everyday baskets for agricultural and domestic use.

Historical Overview

Basket-making in Chichibu developed during the Edo period in response to the region’s mountainous environment and agrarian economy. Bamboo baskets were indispensable tools for farming, transport, and storage.

The tradition continued into the modern period with relatively little stylistic transformation, retaining its functional orientation.

Craft Characteristics

Basketry is the dominant and defining output of this tradition. Forms are simple, practical, and closely tied to everyday usage. Decorative or non-basket bamboo objects play a negligible role.

Cultural Significance

Chichibu Bamboo Basketry exemplifies Japanese folk basketry and provides insight into regional craft practices shaped by geography and subsistence-based economies.

References

• Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore. Traditional Crafts of Saitama.
• Chichibu City Cultural Properties Division. Archival materials.
• Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Mingeikan). Field studies on Kantō basketry.