The craftwork called “Suruga-takezaiku” is made through the process of a single artisan folding takehigo (thin bamboo sticks, about 2mm in diameter, made from cracking bamboo into pieces) one by one, for a resulting creation that looks as if it is comprised of a thousand sticks.
In 1873, this technique was presented at the World Exposition 1873 Vienna as a specialty product from Japan. The unique Eastern method of delicately folding bamboo caught attention, which led to the exporting of many products in the following years. In 1976, it was certified as a Traditional Craft by the Minister of International Trade and Industry.
