Oval Basket with Rectangle Base / Akebi Vine / Nagano-JPN 311213-1 長野県/あけび 角底小判バスケット ルイ版
Oval Basket with Rectangle Base / Akebi Vine / Nagano-JPN 311213-1 長野県/あけび 角底小判バスケット ルイ版
This is a handwoven basket with a handle, made from Akebi vine.
The bark that naturally covers the surface of the vine is left intact, giving the basket a warm and rustic character. Its charm lies in the unrefined, organic beauty of the material just as it is found in nature.
In Nagano, there are also baskets made from gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, in which the bark is removed before weaving.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of vertical ribs to create a dense, orderly weave.Alongside Sukashi-ami (an open-weave technique), this is one of the standard weaving styles in the region.The Akebi vines form graceful, undulating waves across the surface—an absolutely captivating texture.Here is the rim of the basket. It’s firm and tightly finished, with a stitched detail running beneath the edge.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.This view shows the connection between the rim and the handle from the inside. Beneath the double-layered rim, an additional layer is visible, making it a triple-wrapped finish.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The rectangular bottom provides a stable shape that helps items fit neatly inside.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Shown here being held in the hand.It has a distinctive structure—with an oval opening and a rectangular base—creating a different impression depending on the angle you view it from.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet sense of character. You could look at it endlessly and still find peace and warmth in its presence.
Not only is it perfect for outings and shopping, but it also makes a striking presence in any room as a piece of natural decor.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
Akebi Vine Craft from Northern Nagano
In Nagano Prefecture, traditional handcrafts such as baskets and toys have been made since the early Edo period, especially as a winter livelihood in this snowy region.
Among them, the Akebi vine craft from northern Nagano is known for two distinct types of materials. One is the brown Akebi vine with its outer bark intact, commonly seen in other regions such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata. The other is the gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, which is first soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in a river for around a month before the bark is peeled away. Originally, all Akebi basketry in northern Nagano was made using this Muki Akebi.
Although preparing Muki Akebi takes much time and effort before weaving can even begin, baskets made with this material have a unique and subtle beauty found only in this region.
In both cases, only high-quality vines are carefully selected, and a wide variety of basket forms are created with exceptional weaving techniques passed down over generations.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a handwoven basket with a handle, made from Akebi vine.
The bark that naturally covers the surface of the vine is left intact, giving the basket a warm and rustic character. Its charm lies in the unrefined, organic beauty of the material just as it is found in nature.
In Nagano, there are also baskets made from gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, in which the bark is removed before weaving.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of vertical ribs to create a dense, orderly weave.Alongside Sukashi-ami (an open-weave technique), this is one of the standard weaving styles in the region.The Akebi vines form graceful, undulating waves across the surface—an absolutely captivating texture.Here is the rim of the basket. It’s firm and tightly finished, with a stitched detail running beneath the edge.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.This view shows the connection between the rim and the handle from the inside. Beneath the double-layered rim, an additional layer is visible, making it a triple-wrapped finish.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The rectangular bottom provides a stable shape that helps items fit neatly inside.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Shown here being held in the hand.It has a distinctive structure—with an oval opening and a rectangular base—creating a different impression depending on the angle you view it from.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet sense of character. You could look at it endlessly and still find peace and warmth in its presence.
Not only is it perfect for outings and shopping, but it also makes a striking presence in any room as a piece of natural decor.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
Akebi Vine Craft from Northern Nagano
In Nagano Prefecture, traditional handcrafts such as baskets and toys have been made since the early Edo period, especially as a winter livelihood in this snowy region.
Among them, the Akebi vine craft from northern Nagano is known for two distinct types of materials. One is the brown Akebi vine with its outer bark intact, commonly seen in other regions such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata. The other is the gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, which is first soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in a river for around a month before the bark is peeled away. Originally, all Akebi basketry in northern Nagano was made using this Muki Akebi.
Although preparing Muki Akebi takes much time and effort before weaving can even begin, baskets made with this material have a unique and subtle beauty found only in this region.
In both cases, only high-quality vines are carefully selected, and a wide variety of basket forms are created with exceptional weaving techniques passed down over generations.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a handwoven basket with a handle, made from Akebi vine.
The bark that naturally covers the surface of the vine is left intact, giving the basket a warm and rustic character. Its charm lies in the unrefined, organic beauty of the material just as it is found in nature.
In Nagano, there are also baskets made from gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, in which the bark is removed before weaving.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of vertical ribs to create a dense, orderly weave.Alongside Sukashi-ami (an open-weave technique), this is one of the standard weaving styles in the region.The Akebi vines form graceful, undulating waves across the surface—an absolutely captivating texture.Here is the rim of the basket. It’s firm and tightly finished, with a stitched detail running beneath the edge.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.This view shows the connection between the rim and the handle from the inside. Beneath the double-layered rim, an additional layer is visible, making it a triple-wrapped finish.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The rectangular bottom provides a stable shape that helps items fit neatly inside.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Shown here being held in the hand.It has a distinctive structure—with an oval opening and a rectangular base—creating a different impression depending on the angle you view it from.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet sense of character. You could look at it endlessly and still find peace and warmth in its presence.
Not only is it perfect for outings and shopping, but it also makes a striking presence in any room as a piece of natural decor.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
Akebi Vine Craft from Northern Nagano
In Nagano Prefecture, traditional handcrafts such as baskets and toys have been made since the early Edo period, especially as a winter livelihood in this snowy region.
Among them, the Akebi vine craft from northern Nagano is known for two distinct types of materials. One is the brown Akebi vine with its outer bark intact, commonly seen in other regions such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata. The other is the gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi, which is first soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in a river for around a month before the bark is peeled away. Originally, all Akebi basketry in northern Nagano was made using this Muki Akebi.
Although preparing Muki Akebi takes much time and effort before weaving can even begin, baskets made with this material have a unique and subtle beauty found only in this region.
In both cases, only high-quality vines are carefully selected, and a wide variety of basket forms are created with exceptional weaving techniques passed down over generations.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
