Yanagigouri (Traditional wicker trunk) (by Marchan)

This 110 year-old YANAGIGOURI: Traditional wicker trunk
is still in use in my daily life.

I use this as a laundry basket, regarding it as nothing special, but I know that this is one of my grandmother's household items, which she brought with her when she got married, because I found her maiden name on it. (Photo)

My grandmother was born in Tango (the old name of northern Kyoto prefecture) but went to Hidaka (northern part of Hyogo prefecture) to marry my grandfather.

As my mother is 99 years old now, I presume my grandmothers basket was made between 1880 - 1890. It is still firm and strong enough for daily use even though three women have been using it for all these years.

This basket was probably produced in Toyooka city, as it is located near both my mother's and grandmother's villages.

In that city, even now, wicker trunks are produced as traditional craftwork.

According to an advertisement at the place of production, KORIYANAGI; the material of those products (willow) can both absorb and prevent humidity and also deter insects.
Since these trunks are woven very tightly, rainwater apparently never gets in. The proof of this is that Toyooka is a place famous for rain.
Also smaller wicker cases are used as lunch boxes.
Food (boiled rice) in these containers doesnt go bad very quickly.

One of Toyooka citys craft shop sells many types of YANAGIGOURI on its website. I was very surprised to find one the same size as mine priced at 198,000 yen (about 2000 US$). However, if it can be used for another 110 years, I think it is rather a reasonable price, dont you?

Marchan