【Fukushima Oku-Aizu Basketry】Kiwifruit Rice Washing Basket, Small (for 2-3 cups)

This is a rice-washing sieve, a traditional craft from Fukushima Prefecture.
It was purchased for 8,800 yen.
I bought it in November last year and have used it a few times.
As you can see in the photos, there are some signs of use.
It didn't fit our lifestyle, so I would like to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it.

[Product Description]
Material: Matatabi (Fukushima Prefecture domestic wood)
Size: Diameter 20cm, Height 10cm
Origin: Made in Japan (Fukushima Prefecture)

Oku-Aizu Woven Crafts of Fukushima Prefecture

Oku-Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's leading heavy snowfall regions.

For a long time, during the snowy season, local materials such as wild grape, hiro-ro, and matatabi have been used for handicrafts, and baskets, sieves, and small items for daily life have been passed down through generations.

The Aizu Craftsmen Festival and Te-wassa no Sato Festival, held annually in Mishima Town with a focus on woven products, attract woven craft enthusiasts from all over the country. Oku-Aizu Woven Crafts is now known as a major brand of woven products in Japan.

This is a rice-washing sieve suitable for 2-3 go (approx. 360-540ml) of rice.

Matatabi crafts, with their excellent water drainage and supple texture, have been used as kitchenware for washing vegetables and rice.

Matatabi's good absorbency makes it gentle on rice when washing, preventing damage and resulting in delicious cooked rice.

The charm of handmade work is that each piece has its own unique expression and size.
You will feel a sense of attachment as if you are holding a one-of-a-kind item.