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 is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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 basket is handwoven 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 is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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 basket is handwoven 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 is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using three 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.There are several variations in the stitching beneath the rim, and the pattern may change depending on the materials or the artisan. Please note that the stitching may vary from piece to piece.The rim is finished in a style called Yahazu-maki, named after the fletching on an arrow. It is a strong method of binding the rim by wrapping the vine from both sides and securing it inward.Its form is a perfect, clean circle.Looking at the base, the weave spreads outward from a cross-shaped center—a construction technique unique to the soft, flexible nature of Akebi vine craft.Here is the lower portion of the basket. A decorative band encircles the base, with a line of stitching placed just above it.This slim, upright shape is a rare form in Akebi vine weaving.When touched by light, the natural depth of color in the vine reveals soft, warm shadows.It pairs beautifully with flowers or as a cover for a potted plant.In the photo, a vase has been placed inside the basket, filled with seasonal flowers.
It also works well as a wastebasket. Or, roll up rugs or mats when not in use and tuck them into the basket for tidy storage. Simply placing it in a room makes it a striking interior accent.
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.
