Yamagata Prefecture lies in the southern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region, facing the Sea of Japan on its western side. However, the southern area of Yamagata is landlocked, with no access to the sea.
Towns in this region are nestled between mountain ranges, and in many cases, the mountains themselves make up most of the land. Heavy snowfall in winter has long shaped the rhythm of life here, giving rise to a culture of bark and vine craft—traditionally practiced as off-season work by farming families.
At the same time, there are basketmakers who carry on the traditions of their homeland while drawing inspiration from basket cultures around the world—creating with a fresh and personal sensibility.
The forms they produce are shaped by a unique sense of nostalgia and wild beauty. Their baskets are rustic yet refined, somehow managing to evoke both earthiness and elegance.
On this page, we introduce a handwoven tote nicknamed the “Necklace Basket,” named for the way its rim flows gracefully—resembling the line of a necklace.
The body of the basket is finished in nami-ami, a basic and straightforward weaving style.You can sense the natural character in the subtle variations of color and texture.Viewed from the side, the basket curves gently outward from top to bottom, creating a softly rounded shape. It has a presence that feels as if it’s quietly embracing what it holds.The base of the basket is also finished with nami-ami, offering a sturdy and reliable foundation.Here is a close look at the handle. An akebi vine core is wrapped with another layer of akebi vine, giving it just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.At the point where the handle meets the basket, two akebi vines are inserted as the core and securely fixed in place. The handle has very little range of movement. Please avoid forcing it open, as doing so may cause damage.The handle opens only to the angle shown in the photos, but the basket’s rim forms a V-shape, creating space beneath the handle for easy access. Since the basket expands inward, it holds more than it might appear at first glance.The rim rises sharply at both ends, then flows gently toward the center in a smooth curve. The chain-like weaving pattern along the edge adds to its necklace-like impression.Here’s an image of how it looks when carried.It’s just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap.It has enough capacity to hold your wallet, phone, a small pouch—and even a paperback book.Perfect not only for everyday outings, but also for special dinners or a night at the theater. It adds a subtle touch of elegance to any outfit.
When light filters through the fine weave, it sparkles softly—just like a necklace.
Crisp, clean lines and gently rounded curves come together in a beautifully balanced form.
Practical in use, unique in form—this basket tote is one you won’t find elsewhere. The more you carry it, the more it becomes part of your everyday rhythm.
We hope it will accompany you through many seasons of life.
<Basketry by kegoya> In the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, kegoya is a local word for a small work shed. It’s also the name chosen by Akane Kumagai, who weaves everyday baskets using renewable materials like akebi vines and walnut bark.
Her works are described as freshly woven old baskets—brand new, yet somehow carrying the air of something timeworn. Scratches and rugged textures are seen as expressions of their mountain upbringing, and their bold finish reveals the traces of handwork.
Through her ongoing exploration of unseen forms and unexpected finishes, she continues to create baskets that—despite their originality—find a natural place in the rhythms of contemporary life.
This is a handwoven tote made from akebi vine.
Yamagata Prefecture lies in the southern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region, facing the Sea of Japan on its western side. However, the southern area of Yamagata is landlocked, with no access to the sea.
Towns in this region are nestled between mountain ranges, and in many cases, the mountains themselves make up most of the land. Heavy snowfall in winter has long shaped the rhythm of life here, giving rise to a culture of bark and vine craft—traditionally practiced as off-season work by farming families.
At the same time, there are basketmakers who carry on the traditions of their homeland while drawing inspiration from basket cultures around the world—creating with a fresh and personal sensibility.
The forms they produce are shaped by a unique sense of nostalgia and wild beauty. Their baskets are rustic yet refined, somehow managing to evoke both earthiness and elegance.
On this page, we introduce a handwoven tote nicknamed the “Necklace Basket,” named for the way its rim flows gracefully—resembling the line of a necklace.
The body of the basket is finished in nami-ami, a basic and straightforward weaving style.You can sense the natural character in the subtle variations of color and texture.Viewed from the side, the basket curves gently outward from top to bottom, creating a softly rounded shape. It has a presence that feels as if it’s quietly embracing what it holds.The base of the basket is also finished with nami-ami, offering a sturdy and reliable foundation.Here is a close look at the handle. An akebi vine core is wrapped with another layer of akebi vine, giving it just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.At the point where the handle meets the basket, two akebi vines are inserted as the core and securely fixed in place. The handle has very little range of movement. Please avoid forcing it open, as doing so may cause damage.The handle opens only to the angle shown in the photos, but the basket’s rim forms a V-shape, creating space beneath the handle for easy access. Since the basket expands inward, it holds more than it might appear at first glance.The rim rises sharply at both ends, then flows gently toward the center in a smooth curve. The chain-like weaving pattern along the edge adds to its necklace-like impression.Here’s an image of how it looks when carried.It’s just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap.It has enough capacity to hold your wallet, phone, a small pouch—and even a paperback book.Perfect not only for everyday outings, but also for special dinners or a night at the theater. It adds a subtle touch of elegance to any outfit.
When light filters through the fine weave, it sparkles softly—just like a necklace.
Crisp, clean lines and gently rounded curves come together in a beautifully balanced form.
Practical in use, unique in form—this basket tote is one you won’t find elsewhere. The more you carry it, the more it becomes part of your everyday rhythm.
We hope it will accompany you through many seasons of life.
<Basketry by kegoya> In the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, kegoya is a local word for a small work shed. It’s also the name chosen by Akane Kumagai, who weaves everyday baskets using renewable materials like akebi vines and walnut bark.
Her works are described as freshly woven old baskets—brand new, yet somehow carrying the air of something timeworn. Scratches and rugged textures are seen as expressions of their mountain upbringing, and their bold finish reveals the traces of handwork.
Through her ongoing exploration of unseen forms and unexpected finishes, she continues to create baskets that—despite their originality—find a natural place in the rhythms of contemporary life.
This is a handwoven tote made from akebi vine.
Yamagata Prefecture lies in the southern part of Japan’s Tōhoku region, facing the Sea of Japan on its western side. However, the southern area of Yamagata is landlocked, with no access to the sea.
Towns in this region are nestled between mountain ranges, and in many cases, the mountains themselves make up most of the land. Heavy snowfall in winter has long shaped the rhythm of life here, giving rise to a culture of bark and vine craft—traditionally practiced as off-season work by farming families.
At the same time, there are basketmakers who carry on the traditions of their homeland while drawing inspiration from basket cultures around the world—creating with a fresh and personal sensibility.
The forms they produce are shaped by a unique sense of nostalgia and wild beauty. Their baskets are rustic yet refined, somehow managing to evoke both earthiness and elegance.
On this page, we introduce a handwoven tote nicknamed the “Necklace Basket,” named for the way its rim flows gracefully—resembling the line of a necklace.
The body of the basket is finished in nami-ami, a basic and straightforward weaving style.You can sense the natural character in the subtle variations of color and texture.Viewed from the side, the basket curves gently outward from top to bottom, creating a softly rounded shape. It has a presence that feels as if it’s quietly embracing what it holds.The base of the basket is also finished with nami-ami, offering a sturdy and reliable foundation.Here is a close look at the handle. An akebi vine core is wrapped with another layer of akebi vine, giving it just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.At the point where the handle meets the basket, two akebi vines are inserted as the core and securely fixed in place. The handle has very little range of movement. Please avoid forcing it open, as doing so may cause damage.The handle opens only to the angle shown in the photos, but the basket’s rim forms a V-shape, creating space beneath the handle for easy access. Since the basket expands inward, it holds more than it might appear at first glance.The rim rises sharply at both ends, then flows gently toward the center in a smooth curve. The chain-like weaving pattern along the edge adds to its necklace-like impression.Here’s an image of how it looks when carried.It’s just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap.It has enough capacity to hold your wallet, phone, a small pouch—and even a paperback book.Perfect not only for everyday outings, but also for special dinners or a night at the theater. It adds a subtle touch of elegance to any outfit.
When light filters through the fine weave, it sparkles softly—just like a necklace.
Crisp, clean lines and gently rounded curves come together in a beautifully balanced form.
Practical in use, unique in form—this basket tote is one you won’t find elsewhere. The more you carry it, the more it becomes part of your everyday rhythm.
We hope it will accompany you through many seasons of life.
<Basketry by kegoya> In the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, kegoya is a local word for a small work shed. It’s also the name chosen by Akane Kumagai, who weaves everyday baskets using renewable materials like akebi vines and walnut bark.
Her works are described as freshly woven old baskets—brand new, yet somehow carrying the air of something timeworn. Scratches and rugged textures are seen as expressions of their mountain upbringing, and their bold finish reveals the traces of handwork.
Through her ongoing exploration of unseen forms and unexpected finishes, she continues to create baskets that—despite their originality—find a natural place in the rhythms of contemporary life.
