Odate Kogeisha Akita Cedar Bentwood Bento Box Bento Lunch Box Wooden Bento Box Made in Japan Urethane Coating Traditional Craft Japanese Souvenir

Country of origin: Made in Japan (Odate Kogeisha) / Material: Natural wood, Akita cedar Size: 18 x 11 x 5 cm / Capacity: 490 ml [Oval Bento Box (Small)] This is an oval-shaped bentwood lunch box. It's a traditional shape that's still loved by many people today. The beauty of the wood and the warmth of Japanese craftsmanship are truly heartwarming. Its small size makes it ideal for those with smaller appetites or as a lunch box for children. With proper care, this exquisite Japanese craft item can last for 20 years. [What is Magewappa?] Magewappa are cylindrical wooden boxes made by bending thin sheets of wood such as cedar or cypress. Odate Magewappa from Odate City, Akita Prefecture is famous, but it is a traditional craft made in various parts of Japan. Each one is handmade by craftsmen, and there are many types, from those made of plain wood to those with lacquer coating. [Odate brand bentwood lunch boxes] Odate bentwood lunch boxes are designated as a national traditional craft. The bentwood lunch boxes made by Odate Kogeisha are made from Akita cedar trees that are about 100 years old. Among the Akita cedar, which is known for its excellent strength, the part called "masame" has a straight grain, resulting in a beautiful lunch box. Odate Magewappa is a craft product of Odate City, Akita Prefecture, and is designated as a national traditional craft. It is made with Akita cedar, known as one of Japan's finest woods, and crafted with meticulous care by skilled artisans. Bentwood lunch boxes use the straight-grained wood, which has the most beautiful grain. The straight-grained portion is thinly peeled off, softened by soaking in hot water, quickly bent to fit the shape, dried, and then moved on to the next process. The dried pieces are sewn together one by one with cherry bark. The bottom is fitted in, ensuring there are no gaps, and then it is sanded to complete the process. The bento box is an item that can be considered the origin of Odate Magewappa (bentwood bento boxes). Because these items are handmade using natural materials, there will be variations between individual pieces. The color, wood grain, and texture may appear different in the photos compared to the actual product.