This is a handwoven basket with handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
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 basket with handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
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 basket with handles, made from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made using Muki Akebi—a gray vine with the bark removed. But this one is woven from vines with their natural brown bark left intact, just as they appear in the wild.
It is woven in a technique known locally as Nami-ami.There is no transparency—this is a tightly woven basket. Nami-ami is considered one of the standard weaving styles, along with Sukashi-ami.The surface of the basket appears to ripple in even waves—an absolutely captivating texture.From the side, the rim looks simply coiled, with clean spirals. Stitching is visible just beneath the rim.From above, you can see that the rim is double-layered.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.Here is the point where the handle meets the rim, seen from the outside. It is firmly secured in two places, and the knot at the base adds a striking accent to the basket’s silhouette.The handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around a stiff rattan core. Two arching handles are joined at the top and then bound together with more Akebi vine.The base is also finished in the Nami-ami.You can carry it by hand or slip it over your arm.For camping or picnics, just load it with lunch boxes, drinks, or fresh ingredients and place it straight into the car.It’s also sure to come in handy for everyday shopping.The balance between the basket and its handle—formed by two joined arches—is beautifully proportioned. Its quiet harmony is something you can enjoy just by looking at it.
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.
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.
