This is a tote basket handwoven from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
The body of the basket is woven in a technique known as Matsuba-ami.Thicker Akebi vines are split in half and used as strips. The name Matsuba (meaning “pine needle”) comes from the way the pattern resembles two-part pine leaves.The weave has a slight openness, but the contents inside are barely visible.Seen from the side, the rim appears to be finished in a braid. Two lines of stitching run just beneath it.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down.The base continues in a dense Nami-ami, offering excellent strength.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.Compared to the Large, it is slightly shallower—so although the width is the same, it gives a more elongated impression.Though the weave is dense and uses many vine strips, the basket feels relatively light thanks to the use of split vines.This is the Large size.It’s just the right size to hold an A4 file.The handles are longer, making it easy to carry on the arm with a relaxed fit.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket. Whether you’re heading to a work meeting, the cinema, or a museum, it’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_Akebi Vine Basketry from Northern Nagano_
In Nagano, since the early Edo period, people have crafted baskets, toys, and other daily tools as winter work during the region’s long, snow-filled months.
There are two types of Akebi vine used in basketry: one with its natural bark intact—a warm brown color— and another called Muki Akebi, a grayish vine that has been peeled after fermentation.
While Akebi vine craft is also found in parts of Tohoku such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata, Muki Akebi basketry is a tradition that continues only in this region.
Before weaving begins, the vines are soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in river water for around a month before the bark is carefully removed.
It is said that in the past, all Akebi baskets in northern Nagano were made exclusively from Muki Akebi.
This material requires great time and effort before it can even be woven, but the baskets that emerge from it carry a quiet depth—something only this land can produce.
Both Akebi and Muki Akebi vines are carefully selected for quality, and skilled hands continue to craft them into a wide variety of beautiful forms.
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 tote basket handwoven from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
The body of the basket is woven in a technique known as Matsuba-ami.Thicker Akebi vines are split in half and used as strips. The name Matsuba (meaning “pine needle”) comes from the way the pattern resembles two-part pine leaves.The weave has a slight openness, but the contents inside are barely visible.Seen from the side, the rim appears to be finished in a braid. Two lines of stitching run just beneath it.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down.The base continues in a dense Nami-ami, offering excellent strength.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.Compared to the Large, it is slightly shallower—so although the width is the same, it gives a more elongated impression.Though the weave is dense and uses many vine strips, the basket feels relatively light thanks to the use of split vines.This is the Large size.It’s just the right size to hold an A4 file.The handles are longer, making it easy to carry on the arm with a relaxed fit.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket. Whether you’re heading to a work meeting, the cinema, or a museum, it’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_Akebi Vine Basketry from Northern Nagano_
In Nagano, since the early Edo period, people have crafted baskets, toys, and other daily tools as winter work during the region’s long, snow-filled months.
There are two types of Akebi vine used in basketry: one with its natural bark intact—a warm brown color— and another called Muki Akebi, a grayish vine that has been peeled after fermentation.
While Akebi vine craft is also found in parts of Tohoku such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata, Muki Akebi basketry is a tradition that continues only in this region.
Before weaving begins, the vines are soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in river water for around a month before the bark is carefully removed.
It is said that in the past, all Akebi baskets in northern Nagano were made exclusively from Muki Akebi.
This material requires great time and effort before it can even be woven, but the baskets that emerge from it carry a quiet depth—something only this land can produce.
Both Akebi and Muki Akebi vines are carefully selected for quality, and skilled hands continue to craft them into a wide variety of beautiful forms.
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 tote basket handwoven from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
The body of the basket is woven in a technique known as Matsuba-ami.Thicker Akebi vines are split in half and used as strips. The name Matsuba (meaning “pine needle”) comes from the way the pattern resembles two-part pine leaves.The weave has a slight openness, but the contents inside are barely visible.Seen from the side, the rim appears to be finished in a braid. Two lines of stitching run just beneath it.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down.The base continues in a dense Nami-ami, offering excellent strength.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.Compared to the Large, it is slightly shallower—so although the width is the same, it gives a more elongated impression.Though the weave is dense and uses many vine strips, the basket feels relatively light thanks to the use of split vines.This is the Large size.It’s just the right size to hold an A4 file.The handles are longer, making it easy to carry on the arm with a relaxed fit.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket. Whether you’re heading to a work meeting, the cinema, or a museum, it’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_Akebi Vine Basketry from Northern Nagano_
In Nagano, since the early Edo period, people have crafted baskets, toys, and other daily tools as winter work during the region’s long, snow-filled months.
There are two types of Akebi vine used in basketry: one with its natural bark intact—a warm brown color— and another called Muki Akebi, a grayish vine that has been peeled after fermentation.
While Akebi vine craft is also found in parts of Tohoku such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata, Muki Akebi basketry is a tradition that continues only in this region.
Before weaving begins, the vines are soaked in hot spring water for about a week, then fermented in river water for around a month before the bark is carefully removed.
It is said that in the past, all Akebi baskets in northern Nagano were made exclusively from Muki Akebi.
This material requires great time and effort before it can even be woven, but the baskets that emerge from it carry a quiet depth—something only this land can produce.
Both Akebi and Muki Akebi vines are carefully selected for quality, and skilled hands continue to craft them into a wide variety of beautiful forms.
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.
