Kakumono Handwoven Bamboo Bento Box

Handcrafted in Matsuyama, Ehime, this lidded bamboo bento box is a compact example of kakumono, a traditional form of structured, box-shaped bamboo basketry.

Individual bamboo strips are carefully prepared, woven, and assembled by hand. The corners are shaped using a traditional fire-bending technique, allowing the bamboo to form the box’s clean rectangular structure.

The breathable woven construction makes it well suited for carrying onigiri, sandwiches, fruit, pastries, and other foods with relatively little moisture. When used for food, line the interior with food-safe paper, cloth, or leaves before packing.

The fitted lid rests securely over the base while remaining easy to remove. Beyond lunch, the box can also be used to store tea, snacks, sewing supplies, stationery, or other small household items.

The pale bamboo will gradually deepen to a warmer amber color and develop a natural sheen through handling and use. This change is part of the character of living with a handmade bamboo object over time.

About the Maker

Yuki Matsuda is a bamboo craftsperson based in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, where she works under the name Chikuyoh.

After discovering kakumono through a workshop, Matsuda entered the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center in Beppu in 2017. She studied the foundations of bamboo craft before continuing her training and eventually establishing her own studio in her hometown of Matsuyama.

Her work centers on simple, functional baskets intended to become part of daily life. Each piece is made through the careful preparation, shaping, weaving, and assembly of individual bamboo components, with an emphasis on long-term use and repairability.

Size

• Width: Approximately 5.5 in / 14 cm
• Depth: Approximately 4.5 in / 11.4 cm
• Overall height with lid: Approximately 3 in / 7.6 cm

Measurements are approximate. Because each box is individually handmade, the exact size and proportions may vary slightly.

Details

• Maker: Yuki Matsuda / Chikuyoh
• Origin: Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
• Material: Japanese bamboo
• Finish: Natural Shiratake bamboo
• Technique: Handwoven and fire-bent bamboo construction
• Includes: Base and fitted lid
• Use: Bento box or small storage container
• Made in Japan

Care and Important Notes

• Each box is made individually by hand using natural bamboo. Variations in color, grain, nodes, weaving, shape, and dimensions are natural characteristics of the material and production process.
• Small marks, slight gaps, uneven coloring, fine splinters, or minor distortions may occasionally be present. Darkened areas or scorch marks may also appear where the bamboo has been shaped using heat. These are not considered defects and give each piece its individual character.
• The box you receive may look slightly different from the photographs.
• This is a woven bamboo container and is not airtight or leakproof. It is best suited for foods with relatively little moisture, such as onigiri, sandwiches, bread, pastries, or dry snacks.
• Always line the interior with food-safe paper, cloth, or leaves when using it for food. Avoid placing wet, oily, or strongly colored foods directly against the bamboo.
• Allow hot food to cool before packing to help prevent excess moisture from collecting inside the box.
• Keep the box dry and do not soak it in water. It is not suitable for use in a dishwasher, microwave, or oven.
• For routine cleaning, remove crumbs and dust with a soft brush or dry cloth. A lightly dampened cloth may be used when necessary. Wipe away moisture promptly and allow the box to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before replacing the lid.
• Do not store the box while it is damp, as trapped moisture may cause mold or warping.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high heat, and high humidity. The bamboo will naturally deepen in color and develop a richer sheen with age and use.
• Because natural bamboo fibers may occasionally feel sharp, handle with care and keep away from small children and pets.