This is a handwoven basket with handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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 handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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 handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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.
