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.
On this page, we introduce five sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.The weave is both strong and smooth.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Each strand is finished smoothly, with minimal steps or unevenness.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.This is the Extra Small size.A compact basket that fits easily in both hands.Ideal for keeping small everyday items like hand cream or eye drops close at hand.This is the Small size.Perfect for storing a set of coffee or tea essentials.Also just the right size for organizing stationery or other small items.This is the Medium size.Large enough to cradle in both arms.Useful for sorting towels, stoles, or other fabrics.Also great for storing dry goods or snacks in generous amounts.This is the Large size.Fits perfectly as a laundry basket for one person.Or keep it beside the sofa or bed with a blanket tucked inside.And finally, this is the Extra Large size—the biggest one of all.It’s well sized for a laundry basket for one or two people.Spacious enough for storing seasonal bedding like large mats, rugs, or sheets for wardrobe changes.Having just one of these brings a reassuring presence to your home.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Since the thickness of each vine varies, even when woven in the same way, thicker vines will result in a larger basket, while thinner vines will produce a smaller one.
These oval baskets are made freehand, without a mold, so size variations are a natural part of the process. We kindly ask for your understanding.
Extra Large size
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.
Small size
It makes a striking interior piece simply placed in a room.
Medium size
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades to come.
Please choose the size that suits your needs.
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 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.
On this page, we introduce five sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.The weave is both strong and smooth.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Each strand is finished smoothly, with minimal steps or unevenness.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.This is the Extra Small size.A compact basket that fits easily in both hands.Ideal for keeping small everyday items like hand cream or eye drops close at hand.This is the Small size.Perfect for storing a set of coffee or tea essentials.Also just the right size for organizing stationery or other small items.This is the Medium size.Large enough to cradle in both arms.Useful for sorting towels, stoles, or other fabrics.Also great for storing dry goods or snacks in generous amounts.This is the Large size.Fits perfectly as a laundry basket for one person.Or keep it beside the sofa or bed with a blanket tucked inside.And finally, this is the Extra Large size—the biggest one of all.It’s well sized for a laundry basket for one or two people.Spacious enough for storing seasonal bedding like large mats, rugs, or sheets for wardrobe changes.Having just one of these brings a reassuring presence to your home.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Since the thickness of each vine varies, even when woven in the same way, thicker vines will result in a larger basket, while thinner vines will produce a smaller one.
These oval baskets are made freehand, without a mold, so size variations are a natural part of the process. We kindly ask for your understanding.
Extra Large size
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.
Small size
It makes a striking interior piece simply placed in a room.
Medium size
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades to come.
Please choose the size that suits your needs.
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 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.
On this page, we introduce five sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.The weave is both strong and smooth.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Each strand is finished smoothly, with minimal steps or unevenness.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.This is the Extra Small size.A compact basket that fits easily in both hands.Ideal for keeping small everyday items like hand cream or eye drops close at hand.This is the Small size.Perfect for storing a set of coffee or tea essentials.Also just the right size for organizing stationery or other small items.This is the Medium size.Large enough to cradle in both arms.Useful for sorting towels, stoles, or other fabrics.Also great for storing dry goods or snacks in generous amounts.This is the Large size.Fits perfectly as a laundry basket for one person.Or keep it beside the sofa or bed with a blanket tucked inside.And finally, this is the Extra Large size—the biggest one of all.It’s well sized for a laundry basket for one or two people.Spacious enough for storing seasonal bedding like large mats, rugs, or sheets for wardrobe changes.Having just one of these brings a reassuring presence to your home.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Since the thickness of each vine varies, even when woven in the same way, thicker vines will result in a larger basket, while thinner vines will produce a smaller one.
These oval baskets are made freehand, without a mold, so size variations are a natural part of the process. We kindly ask for your understanding.
Extra Large size
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.
Small size
It makes a striking interior piece simply placed in a room.
Medium size
With its impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades to come.
Please choose the size that suits your needs.
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.
