This beautiful rice storage box is made from Kiri wood (paulwonia), a lightweight yet strong wood used for many, many years in Japan for storing important items. Natural tannins in the wood help protect the stored rice from insects. The artisans have constructed this handsome box in the traditional manner without any nails.

We love how the squared off utilitarian shape is elevated by the beautiful wood grain and precision, nail-free construction.

The included smaller box is for measuring how much rice to cook. When filled up to the line engraved on the inside, it holds 150g (180cc) of rice (known as 1 go in Japanese), enough for one person for one meal.

Product Details:

• Made from Kiri Wood
• Crafted in Kusakabe City, Saitama Prefcture
• Stores up to 5kg (11 lbs) of rice
• Storage box dimensions: 11¼" x 6.94" x 8¼" (28.6cm x 17.6cm x 21cm)
• Rice measuring box dimensions: 3" x 3" x 2½" (7.6cm x 7.6cm x 6.4cm)

What follows are Jizai Dougu’s Care and Usage Instructions translated from the original Japanese:

Thank you so much for purchasing the Rice Box (Komebitshu, raw rice storage box). It is made of Kiri wood, paulownia that has been used since ancient times as a material for storing valuable items and it is used in various purposes even today. This Rice Box as well is crafted utilizing superior traits of paulownia wood created in nature.

Unique Features

• Thick paulownia boards are used and finished without any nails.
• Quality paulownia wood, sturdy and less likely to warp, protects rice from insects, mold, and moisture.

Handling Instructions

• Wipe with a tightly wrung cloth before use.
• Paulownia wood contains a lot of tannin, so it has a high insect repellent effect.
• However, insects such as rice weevils and moths may breed from rice itself. To prevent insects from breeding, move the remaining old rice to another container before putting in new rice, wipe the box with a tightly wrung cloth, and dry it in the shade.

Handling Notes

• Do not use synthetic detergent or bleach, as they will cause the special nature of paulownia wood to deteriorate.
• Avoid placing the Rice Box in direct sunlight as it may cause the wood to deform.
• Do not sit or stand on the Rice Box as it may break.
• Because paulownia is a soft wood, do not place hard objects on it.
• Use the Rice Box on a stable surface.
• Watch your fingers to keep them from being pinched when opening and closing the lid.
• Do not use the Rice Box for any purposes other than storing rice.
• Do not wash any of the components in the dishwasher.