This is a handwoven tote basket 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.
This basket has a generous, rounded form. We also offer a separate product called the “Sukashi Weave Tote Basket,” but this one features a finer and more intricate weave, with extra care given to the details of the rim and handle.
This page features the Extra Small size of our premium tote basket.
The basket features the soft curves characteristic of the premium series, with a gentle form that gradually flares outward toward the base.It is woven using the Sukashi-ami, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.This pattern is only possible with Akebi vine, known for its flexibility and resilience. The vines curve and interlace with strength and grace, giving the basket a sense of quiet power.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and neatly finished. Please note: Depending on materials or the artisan, the stitching beneath the rim may differ from the photo—sometimes using a simpler style. We do not accept returns based on these variations. Thank you for your understanding.This is a top view of the rim. The way the vine is wrapped inward from both sides gives it a decorative appearance.The handle is slim and easy to hold, made by wrapping a thin Akebi vine around a thick Akebi core. It is tightly and carefully finished.Here is the section where the handle connects to the rim—on the premium model, this part is finished with a braided accent. It’s curious how such a subtle detail can shift the overall impression of the basket.The ring-style joint allows for a wide range of motion, making it easy to open and fold the handle.The base of the basket is made with a tightly woven Nami-ami pattern, not the openwork style. This adds extra strength and prevents items from slipping through gaps.t’s a compact size that sits neatly on your lap.It’s just right for carrying your wallet, key case, phone, handkerchief, a small pouch, and a small bottle.Its petite, rounded shape makes it easy to carry and delightful to hold.
There’s something truly special about this softly rounded form. While structured baskets made with molds have their own charm, this one offers a gentle, enveloping feel that makes it exceptional.
In addition to outings, it also works beautifully as a storage basket at home— for keeping your knitting or sewing supplies, or even placing a vase inside to enjoy fresh flowers in your living space.
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 impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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 tote basket 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.
This basket has a generous, rounded form. We also offer a separate product called the “Sukashi Weave Tote Basket,” but this one features a finer and more intricate weave, with extra care given to the details of the rim and handle.
This page features the Extra Small size of our premium tote basket.
The basket features the soft curves characteristic of the premium series, with a gentle form that gradually flares outward toward the base.It is woven using the Sukashi-ami, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.This pattern is only possible with Akebi vine, known for its flexibility and resilience. The vines curve and interlace with strength and grace, giving the basket a sense of quiet power.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and neatly finished. Please note: Depending on materials or the artisan, the stitching beneath the rim may differ from the photo—sometimes using a simpler style. We do not accept returns based on these variations. Thank you for your understanding.This is a top view of the rim. The way the vine is wrapped inward from both sides gives it a decorative appearance.The handle is slim and easy to hold, made by wrapping a thin Akebi vine around a thick Akebi core. It is tightly and carefully finished.Here is the section where the handle connects to the rim—on the premium model, this part is finished with a braided accent. It’s curious how such a subtle detail can shift the overall impression of the basket.The ring-style joint allows for a wide range of motion, making it easy to open and fold the handle.The base of the basket is made with a tightly woven Nami-ami pattern, not the openwork style. This adds extra strength and prevents items from slipping through gaps.t’s a compact size that sits neatly on your lap.It’s just right for carrying your wallet, key case, phone, handkerchief, a small pouch, and a small bottle.Its petite, rounded shape makes it easy to carry and delightful to hold.
There’s something truly special about this softly rounded form. While structured baskets made with molds have their own charm, this one offers a gentle, enveloping feel that makes it exceptional.
In addition to outings, it also works beautifully as a storage basket at home— for keeping your knitting or sewing supplies, or even placing a vase inside to enjoy fresh flowers in your living space.
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 impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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 tote basket 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.
This basket has a generous, rounded form. We also offer a separate product called the “Sukashi Weave Tote Basket,” but this one features a finer and more intricate weave, with extra care given to the details of the rim and handle.
This page features the Extra Small size of our premium tote basket.
The basket features the soft curves characteristic of the premium series, with a gentle form that gradually flares outward toward the base.It is woven using the Sukashi-ami, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.This pattern is only possible with Akebi vine, known for its flexibility and resilience. The vines curve and interlace with strength and grace, giving the basket a sense of quiet power.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and neatly finished. Please note: Depending on materials or the artisan, the stitching beneath the rim may differ from the photo—sometimes using a simpler style. We do not accept returns based on these variations. Thank you for your understanding.This is a top view of the rim. The way the vine is wrapped inward from both sides gives it a decorative appearance.The handle is slim and easy to hold, made by wrapping a thin Akebi vine around a thick Akebi core. It is tightly and carefully finished.Here is the section where the handle connects to the rim—on the premium model, this part is finished with a braided accent. It’s curious how such a subtle detail can shift the overall impression of the basket.The ring-style joint allows for a wide range of motion, making it easy to open and fold the handle.The base of the basket is made with a tightly woven Nami-ami pattern, not the openwork style. This adds extra strength and prevents items from slipping through gaps.t’s a compact size that sits neatly on your lap.It’s just right for carrying your wallet, key case, phone, handkerchief, a small pouch, and a small bottle.Its petite, rounded shape makes it easy to carry and delightful to hold.
There’s something truly special about this softly rounded form. While structured baskets made with molds have their own charm, this one offers a gentle, enveloping feel that makes it exceptional.
In addition to outings, it also works beautifully as a storage basket at home— for keeping your knitting or sewing supplies, or even placing a vase inside to enjoy fresh flowers in your living space.
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 impressively solid construction, this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades 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.
