Bamboo Basket by Youn Minyoung - "Sukkiri Kaban", Small

Originally from South Korea, Youn Minyoung is a talented bamboo craftsman based in Oita Prefecture, Japan, a region renowned for its rich bamboo culture. Affectionately known by her nickname “Kuri-chan,” Minyoung was introduced to us through a mutual friend, the ceramicist Miki Oka, during a buying trip in Kyushu, Japan.

The Sukkiri Kaban is a versatile bamboo basket handcrafted by artisan Youn Minyoung in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Combining timeless aesthetics with practical design, “Sukkiri” means “tidy and clean,” while “Kaban” means bag, reflecting its purpose. Inspired by traditional tea bowl baskets, it features a stable, raised base for breathability and hygiene. Made from locally sourced Oita bamboo, its lightweight yet sturdy build is ideal for organizing, kitchen use, or accessorizing your space. Clean lines, reinforced edges, and smooth craftsmanship make it both functional and elegant.

Enjoy the artistry and practicality of the Sukkiri Kaban—a basket designed to bring beauty and order to your everyday life!

• Each item may vary slightly
• Approximate measurement: 
  • overall - 10 3/4"L x 4 3/4"W x 8"H (with handle)
  • 5 1/2"H (without handle)
  • 0.5 lb
• Material: bamboo
• Care instruction: 
  
  • Wipe and dry well before you store them
    
  • Wipe with a dry cloth
• Enjoy it changing color over time. 
• Due to natural material, please handle with care. It likes to be in dry places.

Story:

Originally from South Korea, Youn Minyoung discovered her passion for crafting during her travels in New Zealand and Samoa, where she first learned grass weaving. Her love for working with natural materials eventually led her to settle in Oita Prefecture, Japan, where she embraced bamboo artistry—a craft deeply rooted in the region’s culture. After completing rigorous training at the Oita Prefectural Bamboo Crafts Training Center in Beppu, Minyoung honed her skills and became an independent bamboo artisan. With nearly a decade in Japan, she draws inspiration from the abundant bamboo forests surrounding her home, sourcing all her materials locally.

Minyoung’s signature creation, the Sukkiri Kaban, exemplifies her dedication to blending functionality with timeless design. Each piece is a testament to her meticulous attention to detail and passion for sustainable, handcrafted goods.