This is a handwoven basket with a handle, 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.
On this page, we introduce three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.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.The handle stands upright on all sizes.This is the connection point between the handle and the basket. On the Small size, the handle is attached at a single point on each side. On the Medium and Large sizes, the handle splits into two branches on each side, each securely fastened with thick vine.The attachment is so secure that the handle hardly wobbles when held.The opening forms a nearly perfect circle.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.It’s lovely for arranging flowers—just place a glass inside. Its petite size means you can set it almost anywhere.Also perfect for a short walk or a casual outing.This is the Medium size.Among the three, this one has a balanced shape—its width and height are about the same, giving it a soft, rounded look.Great for carrying a compact wallet or a few small items when heading out.It also pairs beautifully with drawstring bags or fabric pouches. The colors and patterns peeking through the weave add a touch of charm.This is the Large size.It has a strong, confident presence.You can use it as an outing basket or as a flower holder. Seasonal flowers and greenery look beautiful against the natural vine texture.Try changing the mood with a scarf or bandana tied to the handle.
Whichever size you choose, the basket brings a sense of presence to the space it’s in.
With its tall handle, this basket feels more like part of the interior than just a container.
Even just sitting in a room, it’s hard not to notice its quiet charm.
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.
We hope you enjoy it in your own way, wherever and however you use it. Please choose the size that suits you best.
_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 a handle, 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.
On this page, we introduce three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.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.The handle stands upright on all sizes.This is the connection point between the handle and the basket. On the Small size, the handle is attached at a single point on each side. On the Medium and Large sizes, the handle splits into two branches on each side, each securely fastened with thick vine.The attachment is so secure that the handle hardly wobbles when held.The opening forms a nearly perfect circle.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.It’s lovely for arranging flowers—just place a glass inside. Its petite size means you can set it almost anywhere.Also perfect for a short walk or a casual outing.This is the Medium size.Among the three, this one has a balanced shape—its width and height are about the same, giving it a soft, rounded look.Great for carrying a compact wallet or a few small items when heading out.It also pairs beautifully with drawstring bags or fabric pouches. The colors and patterns peeking through the weave add a touch of charm.This is the Large size.It has a strong, confident presence.You can use it as an outing basket or as a flower holder. Seasonal flowers and greenery look beautiful against the natural vine texture.Try changing the mood with a scarf or bandana tied to the handle.
Whichever size you choose, the basket brings a sense of presence to the space it’s in.
With its tall handle, this basket feels more like part of the interior than just a container.
Even just sitting in a room, it’s hard not to notice its quiet charm.
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.
We hope you enjoy it in your own way, wherever and however you use it. Please choose the size that suits you best.
_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 a handle, 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.
On this page, we introduce three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.
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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience.Here is the rim of the basket. It is firmly and cleanly constructed.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.The handle stands upright on all sizes.This is the connection point between the handle and the basket. On the Small size, the handle is attached at a single point on each side. On the Medium and Large sizes, the handle splits into two branches on each side, each securely fastened with thick vine.The attachment is so secure that the handle hardly wobbles when held.The opening forms a nearly perfect circle.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.It’s lovely for arranging flowers—just place a glass inside. Its petite size means you can set it almost anywhere.Also perfect for a short walk or a casual outing.This is the Medium size.Among the three, this one has a balanced shape—its width and height are about the same, giving it a soft, rounded look.Great for carrying a compact wallet or a few small items when heading out.It also pairs beautifully with drawstring bags or fabric pouches. The colors and patterns peeking through the weave add a touch of charm.This is the Large size.It has a strong, confident presence.You can use it as an outing basket or as a flower holder. Seasonal flowers and greenery look beautiful against the natural vine texture.Try changing the mood with a scarf or bandana tied to the handle.
Whichever size you choose, the basket brings a sense of presence to the space it’s in.
With its tall handle, this basket feels more like part of the interior than just a container.
Even just sitting in a room, it’s hard not to notice its quiet charm.
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.
We hope you enjoy it in your own way, wherever and however you use it. Please choose the size that suits you best.
_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.
