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 three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.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.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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.
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 basket is handwoven 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 three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.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.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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.
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 basket is handwoven 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 three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.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.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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.
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.
