Using traditional Japanese basket-making techniques, rocks are transformed into art.

Japanese artist Shizu Okino studied basket-making over 20 years ago with traditional Japanese basket maker Kazuko Iwata of Japan.

Okino conceived the notion of combing basketry with a mundane rock by wrapping the stone with the decorative ties used on Japanese ikebana baskets. The stones, collected from the California and Oregon coast, are complemented by the tie resulting in a fanciful piece the projects peace and invites quiet contemplation.

Each stone represents hours of work and should last a very long time if handled with care.