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.
It is based on a tight weave known in the region as Nami-ami, with a section of Sukashi-ami—a more open weave—added at the center.The Sukashi-ami section features larger gaps that allow light to pass through, creating a translucent, airy feel.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.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.Shown from the inside of the basket.The handles are finished in a spiral wrap, resembling the way wild Akebi vines creep along the ground. It evokes the blessings of the mountains and has a rustic charm.The base is finished in the Nami-ami, creating a firm and stable foundation.The basket has a gentle oval shape.It offers generous capacity.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is firmly secured and stable, providing a sense of reliability—even when carrying heavier items.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, it makes a lovely storage basket for the home.Use it for blankets or stoles, or if you knit or sew, it’s a great way to store yarn, fabric, or craft supplies.
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.
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.
It is based on a tight weave known in the region as Nami-ami, with a section of Sukashi-ami—a more open weave—added at the center.The Sukashi-ami section features larger gaps that allow light to pass through, creating a translucent, airy feel.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.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.Shown from the inside of the basket.The handles are finished in a spiral wrap, resembling the way wild Akebi vines creep along the ground. It evokes the blessings of the mountains and has a rustic charm.The base is finished in the Nami-ami, creating a firm and stable foundation.The basket has a gentle oval shape.It offers generous capacity.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is firmly secured and stable, providing a sense of reliability—even when carrying heavier items.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, it makes a lovely storage basket for the home.Use it for blankets or stoles, or if you knit or sew, it’s a great way to store yarn, fabric, or craft supplies.
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.
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.
It is based on a tight weave known in the region as Nami-ami, with a section of Sukashi-ami—a more open weave—added at the center.The Sukashi-ami section features larger gaps that allow light to pass through, creating a translucent, airy feel.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.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.Shown from the inside of the basket.The handles are finished in a spiral wrap, resembling the way wild Akebi vines creep along the ground. It evokes the blessings of the mountains and has a rustic charm.The base is finished in the Nami-ami, creating a firm and stable foundation.The basket has a gentle oval shape.It offers generous capacity.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is firmly secured and stable, providing a sense of reliability—even when carrying heavier items.It’s also great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, it makes a lovely storage basket for the home.Use it for blankets or stoles, or if you knit or sew, it’s a great way to store yarn, fabric, or craft supplies.
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.
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.
