Letter Box (L)

Ikkanbari is a type of Japanese craftwork that has emerged as early as the 16th century. It combines traditional wood, paper and lacquer work in the form of wicker baskets with lacquered papier-mâché coating.

Inspired by this time-honored technique, the founder Kinsuke Ebitani designed Oumi Ikkanbari. In contrast to conventional bamboo-based products, our baskets are woven from paper strings. The use of this material makes them more durable, light and easy to use.

For more than 50 years, we kept striving to produce unique products that seamlessly blend into everyday life. The craftsmanship has been passed down through generations to Yutaka and Ryota Ebitani.

We aspire to protect the tradition while leaving room for innovation and evolution of our products with time.



Weaving

Oumi Ikkanbari’s most distinctive feature is its remarkable versatility. We make use of paper strings’ flexibility to weave the base of products for a variety of applications.



Paper Coating

Oumi Ikkanbari uses specially ordered Japanese “washi” paper from Gokayama, Toyama Prefecture. The surface of the basket is covered with white washi paper, followed by a colored upper layer.

Hand-made washi paper’s long fibers allow uniform adhesion to uneven surfaces. This highlights the intricate pattern of the basket's mesh.

We apply and dry each layer of paper with great care to ensure that the surface is thoroughly covered. Repeating this process prevents tears and increases durability of the finished product.



Coloring

Products coated with kakishibu come in the following 4 colors: rose madder, Indigo Cake,sanguine brown and chestnut. Patterns on washi paper are hand-drawn in Japanese “sumi” ink.



Kakishibu Coating

Kakishibu (persimmon tannin) paint has antiseptic, insect- and water-repellent effects. Kakishibu coating makes the washi paper rigid and durable.







It is A4 size and can be used for organizing documents and storing small items.



The finely woven base material and beautifully upholstered Japanese paper make it look great as an interior decoration.



The shape is made with paper string, the back and front sides are lined, and handmade dyed Japanese paper is carefully stretched, dried, and coated with persimmon tannin many times to create Omi Ikkanbari that can withstand many years of use.



Depending on the conditions of use, some customers have used it for more than 20 years.





Because Omi Ikkanban is handmade, there may be slight differences in color, pattern, shape, size, etc., even for the same product.





～Persimmon tannin finish

Kakishibu (persimmon tannin) has insecticide, antiseptic, and water-repellent properties. By applying layers of persimmon tannin on top of the washi, it strengthens the washi and gives it water-repellent properties.



Kakishibu will deepen in color over time, so you can enjoy the change in color and luster.

Please use it in a place out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

Please use it where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight.



Care Instructions:

Dust gently with a dry cloth.

Do not wash with water.