This is a handwoven basket with a handle, 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 are introducing two sizes: Small and Large.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.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.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The sides of the rim rise in a gentle arc, creating a softly peaked silhouette that adds to the basket’s character.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Viewed from above, the basket reveals an oval shape reminiscent of a silkworm cocoon—hence the name “Cocoon-Shaped.”Let us now introduce the two sizes.This is the Small size.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home—for slippers near the entrance, knitting supplies, or a sewing kit.It also makes a charming outing basket. There’s room for daily essentials like a drawstring pouch or smartphone, plus a water bottle or other drinks.You can enjoy customizing the look by using different fabric liners or pouches to suit the season or your mood. It’s also a practical touch, helping to keep your belongings organized and visible inside the basket.This is the Large size.It offers generous capacity and a solid, functional build.Perfect as a lunch basket—just the right size for sandwiches and a coffee bottle.Of course, it’s also great for everyday shopping. It’s especially handy for carrying fresh bread or boxed treats like cakes and bento that you don’t want to tilt.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Not only is it ideal for outings or errands, but its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet, refined presence. 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.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
_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 handwoven basket with a handle, 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 are introducing two sizes: Small and Large.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.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.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The sides of the rim rise in a gentle arc, creating a softly peaked silhouette that adds to the basket’s character.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Viewed from above, the basket reveals an oval shape reminiscent of a silkworm cocoon—hence the name “Cocoon-Shaped.”Let us now introduce the two sizes.This is the Small size.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home—for slippers near the entrance, knitting supplies, or a sewing kit.It also makes a charming outing basket. There’s room for daily essentials like a drawstring pouch or smartphone, plus a water bottle or other drinks.You can enjoy customizing the look by using different fabric liners or pouches to suit the season or your mood. It’s also a practical touch, helping to keep your belongings organized and visible inside the basket.This is the Large size.It offers generous capacity and a solid, functional build.Perfect as a lunch basket—just the right size for sandwiches and a coffee bottle.Of course, it’s also great for everyday shopping. It’s especially handy for carrying fresh bread or boxed treats like cakes and bento that you don’t want to tilt.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Not only is it ideal for outings or errands, but its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet, refined presence. 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.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
_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 handwoven basket with a handle, 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 are introducing two sizes: Small and Large.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears double-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.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.From the outside, the handle is securely attached to the rim. Its tightly knotted base adds a crisp accent to the overall form of the basket.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a core of rattan in a coiling technique.The sides of the rim rise in a gentle arc, creating a softly peaked silhouette that adds to the basket’s character.The same Nami-ami weave continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Viewed from above, the basket reveals an oval shape reminiscent of a silkworm cocoon—hence the name “Cocoon-Shaped.”Let us now introduce the two sizes.This is the Small size.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home—for slippers near the entrance, knitting supplies, or a sewing kit.It also makes a charming outing basket. There’s room for daily essentials like a drawstring pouch or smartphone, plus a water bottle or other drinks.You can enjoy customizing the look by using different fabric liners or pouches to suit the season or your mood. It’s also a practical touch, helping to keep your belongings organized and visible inside the basket.This is the Large size.It offers generous capacity and a solid, functional build.Perfect as a lunch basket—just the right size for sandwiches and a coffee bottle.Of course, it’s also great for everyday shopping. It’s especially handy for carrying fresh bread or boxed treats like cakes and bento that you don’t want to tilt.
The Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring, just as they were harvested wild from the mountains.
Not only is it ideal for outings or errands, but its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet, refined presence. 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.
It has an impressively solid and sturdy construction. A basket like this is sure to stay by your side for many years to come.
_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.
