Beppu Bamboo Craft, inherited since the Muromachi period, is a traditional craft from Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, known for its renowned hot springs. Oita Prefecture is also known for being the region with the highest domestic production of Madake, a material essential for bamboo crafts. Here, we introduce the charm of Beppu Bamboo Craft, which is designated as a national traditional craft.
The History of Beppu Bamboo Craft Starting from the 1st Century
There are various theories about the history of Beppu Bamboo Craft, with the oldest theory dating back to the 1st century. It is said that Emperor Keiko, the father of Yamato Takeru, stopped by Oita on his way back from subjugating the Kumaso tribe based in Kyushu, found high-quality bamboo, and had a tea bowl basket "Mekago" made, marking the beginning of Beppu Bamboo Craft.
In the Muromachi period (around 1338), woodworkers who carved wood and turned bowls on a lathe invented bamboo salt baskets and applied this technique to create baskets for peddlers. It is believed that the full-scale industrialization of bamboo products began around this time.
Entering the Edo period, Beppu Onsen gained popularity as a hot spring resort for healing injuries and illnesses. Guests who stayed for more than a week liked the bamboo baskets, sieves, and miso strainers they used for self-catering and took them home as souvenirs, expanding the market for bamboo crafts.
Bamboo crafts
Bamboo crafts
In 1902 (Meiji 35), the "Beppu Industrial Apprentice School" was established to promote bamboo craftsmanship as a local industry. Within this school, the "Chikuranka" department focused on training professional bamboo craftsmen.
Furthermore, in 1927 (Showa 2), the "Oita Prefectural Industrial Research Institute Beppu Craft Guidance Center" was established as a public research and testing institution. The following year, the "Oita Prefectural Vocational Re-education Center for Injured Soldiers" was established to help injured soldiers reintegrate into society. These facilities eventually became the "Oita Prefectural Bamboo Craft Training Center," which is now the only specialized bamboo craft training school in Japan, producing skilled technicians and artists.
Basic Weaving Techniques Used in Beppu Bamboo Craft
The main manufacturing processes of Beppu Bamboo Craft include harvesting bamboo, boiling or direct heating to remove surface oil ("aburanuki"), sun drying, processing bamboo strips, weaving, and finishing. Among these, weaving is the most crucial, with over 200 weaving techniques combined to create diverse works. Here, we introduce eight weaving techniques used in Beppu Bamboo Craft.
One of the basic weaving techniques, where bamboo strips of the same width are crossed vertically and horizontally, leaving equal gaps to form a four-eye pattern.
Yotsume-ami
A technique where six bamboo strips are arranged diagonally and woven from the center outward. This is the most popular weaving method, also known as "basket weave" or "hexagonal weave" due to the hexagonal pattern it creates, and sometimes referred to as "tortoise shell weave."
Mutsume-ami
A complex technique where bamboo strips are layered vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, creating an octagonal pattern.
This technique uses thicker, flat bamboo strips. The strips are woven while shifting the crossing points, resulting in a tightly woven and sturdy finish. Variations such as "Masu-ajiro-ami" and "Shihou-ajiro-ami" can be created, and this technique has been used not only in bamboo crafts but also in ceiling decorations and folding screens.
Ajiro-ami
A method where thick bamboo strips are woven vertically and slightly thinner strips are woven horizontally. The weave pattern resembles that of a mat, hence the name.
Gozame-ami
A technique where bamboo strips are woven vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, resembling the twisting of a rope.
Named for its chrysanthemum-like pattern, this technique involves layering bamboo strips radially and weaving them alternately from the center outward. It is used for making round-bottomed bamboo baskets and sieves.
A technique where bamboo strips are arranged radially and woven to form a central ring. It is also referred to as "Rinkuchi-ami."
Summary
Designated as a national traditional craft in 1979 (Showa 54), Beppu Bamboo Craft is still cherished as an essential item in daily life in Beppu. Today, various unique creations, including fashion accessories, interior decorations, and art pieces, are made by individual artisans, attracting attention from overseas. When visiting Beppu, be sure to take a look at these crafts. If you're lucky, you might even be able to participate in a bamboo basket-making workshop.
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