Rice Straw Fortune Bird
Based on the art of vernacular weaving, these figurines are made of rice straws.
This item is a traditional lucky charm, especially associated with good fortune in business. Typically they are hung on the wall to celebrate new year.
The weaving design has been passed down on in Iijima area where the maker, Waramu is based. No one knows for sure what kind of bird it is, but the people in the area believe it is either crane or rooster that crows at the dawn of a new year.
This item would be perfect to add a folk twist in your room, make a lovely gift to someone special who is living afar, or as Christmas decoration.
The figurines are tightly woven and would actually enjoy very long life if treated gently and hung on the wall - their natural habitat - and they do look best there.
Please note that the rice straw in the images can look slightly green, which will turn golden yellow over time.
Dimensions:
Large - 26 x 26 x 5 cm
Small - 16 x 22 x 2.5 cm
Due to handmade nature and the natural materials used, each item slightly varies in size, colour and form.
Material:Japanese rice straw
About the Maker
Waramu is a collective of straw artisans based in Iijima, Japan. The items they craft vary from new year ornaments, baskets and mats of every size, to festival effigies, religious offerings and Sumo wrestling rings. Waramu is deeply rooted in the heritage of Ina valley where Iijima is located, and its members are locals only. Their positive ethos aims to revitalize the local communities by reconnecting its weaving tradition to agribusiness, with sustainability at the core.
Originally started as non-profit Rice Bale Preservation Society, now the collective takes a form of social business. Apart from taking various commissions, their projects include restoring abandoned rice paddies, repurposing waste produce, a rice bale marathon, workshops with school children and visitors, and supporting vulnerable young adults.
Sakai Yuji, the founder, took at his mission to continue the endangered weaving craft, when he realized that straw-woven rice bales were not available even among rice farmers. Learning skills from the few surviving elders who are experts in the craft, Sakai's passion soon developed and he established himself as a prominent weaver. The Japan Sumo Association exclusively commissions Sakai to craft six grand tournament wrestling rings each year.
The straw they use are all grown locally and responsively, most of them by members themselves. Some of them are special long stemmed variety native to the area.
Please read more interesting background stories on our Journal entry, Rice, Marathon, and Deity Cat.
Care
Please avoid storing this item under direct sunlight, or anywhere near direct fire.
Keep them dried and avoid dampness.
