Shizu Design - Hizashi – Variation Sunshine plaited design

Shizu Design uses traditional Japanese basket-making techniques to transform rocks into art – art that invites quiet contemplation, peace and serenity. The founder and her mother - Shizu comprise Shizu Designs, and they design and make all of their rocks.

Shizu was introduced to baskets and basket-making some 30 years ago through Kazuko Iwata, a basket maker from Japan, who specialized in traditional Japanese basketry. She studied with Kazuko for the better part of one year, until Kazuko had to return to Japan. Shizu has studied other forms of basketry, but decided her real interest lay in traditional Japanese baskets so she has focused on that aspect of the craft.

In 2001, Shizu conceived the notion of combining basketry with the mundane “rock” by wrapping the rocks with decorative ties of rattan, like those used on Japanese ikebana baskets. The result is a fanciful, decorative piece that, we believe, projects a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.

The rocks we use are mostly from the California and Oregon coast, though some have been gathered on trips to other states. More recently we have been going to commercial rock suppliers as demand and circumstances dictate, but all rocks are selected for their unique shape, color and features.