Origin : Japan
Made of : porcelain - potery
Classification : things / toys
Maker : ?
About "bamboo leaf boat" (sasabune - 笹舟) :
Japanese children build boats with bamboo leaves. They cut the ends of the leaves and fold them a bit like an origami.
About "bamboo" (take - 竹) :
Bamboo is a quick growing evergreen grass that has been used in Japan for construction and various arts and crafts for many centuries.
Even the strongest tree can brake against strong winds. The bamboo bends, it flexes, nearly touches the ground, but never breaks. Bamboos symbolize the idea that a man must keep his integrity whatever happens to him.
In case of earthquake, bamboo forests are considered as a safe place to find shelter. The interlaced bamboo roots hold the ground and there is no risk of being crashed by a tree.