This is a handwoven basket with handles, 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. The basket on the left in the photo is the same shape but made from Muki Akebi (Gray Akebi Vine).
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.It has a beautifully shaped oval form.The same Nami-ami continues at the bottom, creating a strong and stable base.The basket has a charming, rounded appearance. The tightly woven Nami-ami pattern adds to its sense of refined beauty.Ideal for carrying baguettes, cakes, or bento boxes—especially those you don’t want to tilt.It also works wonderfully as a picnic basket. Pack it with snacks and drinks, and head out to the park, terrace, or seaside.Thanks to its solid construction, the basket can hold heavier items like glass jars or canned drinks with ease.It can also be carried on the arm and used like a basket bag.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
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.
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 handles, 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. The basket on the left in the photo is the same shape but made from Muki Akebi (Gray Akebi Vine).
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.It has a beautifully shaped oval form.The same Nami-ami continues at the bottom, creating a strong and stable base.The basket has a charming, rounded appearance. The tightly woven Nami-ami pattern adds to its sense of refined beauty.Ideal for carrying baguettes, cakes, or bento boxes—especially those you don’t want to tilt.It also works wonderfully as a picnic basket. Pack it with snacks and drinks, and head out to the park, terrace, or seaside.Thanks to its solid construction, the basket can hold heavier items like glass jars or canned drinks with ease.It can also be carried on the arm and used like a basket bag.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
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.
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 handles, 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. The basket on the left in the photo is the same shape but made from Muki Akebi (Gray Akebi Vine).
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.It has a beautifully shaped oval form.The same Nami-ami continues at the bottom, creating a strong and stable base.The basket has a charming, rounded appearance. The tightly woven Nami-ami pattern adds to its sense of refined beauty.Ideal for carrying baguettes, cakes, or bento boxes—especially those you don’t want to tilt.It also works wonderfully as a picnic basket. Pack it with snacks and drinks, and head out to the park, terrace, or seaside.Thanks to its solid construction, the basket can hold heavier items like glass jars or canned drinks with ease.It can also be carried on the arm and used like a basket bag.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.
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.
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.
