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.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears triple-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.Here is the handle and rim as seen from the outside. They are firmly secured.This is the view from inside the basket.The handle is finished with a spiral wrap, evoking the image of Akebi vines as they naturally creep along the forest floor. It feels like a tribute to the blessings of the mountains—quietly beautiful.The same Nami-ami continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Its shape is a clean, rectangular form. Spacious and generously sized, it holds a great deal.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is steady and secure, giving you confidence even when carrying heavier items.It’s great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Also ideal for travel, when you need to carry bulky items on the go.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, use it at home as a storage basket.Fill it with blankets or stoles, or use it to store your knitting and sewing supplies—there’s plenty of room for yarn and large pieces of fabric.
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.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears triple-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.Here is the handle and rim as seen from the outside. They are firmly secured.This is the view from inside the basket.The handle is finished with a spiral wrap, evoking the image of Akebi vines as they naturally creep along the forest floor. It feels like a tribute to the blessings of the mountains—quietly beautiful.The same Nami-ami continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Its shape is a clean, rectangular form. Spacious and generously sized, it holds a great deal.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is steady and secure, giving you confidence even when carrying heavier items.It’s great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Also ideal for travel, when you need to carry bulky items on the go.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, use it at home as a storage basket.Fill it with blankets or stoles, or use it to store your knitting and sewing supplies—there’s plenty of room for yarn and large pieces of fabric.
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.
The basket is woven in a traditional pattern known locally as Nami-ami, using pairs of 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.When viewed from above, the rim appears triple-layered, showcasing a strong and structured finishing technique.Here is the lower part of the basket. The base features decorative weaving with added stitching layered above it.Here is the handle and rim as seen from the outside. They are firmly secured.This is the view from inside the basket.The handle is finished with a spiral wrap, evoking the image of Akebi vines as they naturally creep along the forest floor. It feels like a tribute to the blessings of the mountains—quietly beautiful.The same Nami-ami continues along the bottom of the basket, forming a sturdy and reliable base.Its shape is a clean, rectangular form. Spacious and generously sized, it holds a great deal.Shown here being held in the hand.The handle is steady and secure, giving you confidence even when carrying heavier items.It’s great for camping or picnics. Pack it with food, drinks, cups, and plates, and load it straight into the car.Also ideal for travel, when you need to carry bulky items on the go.Of course, it’s perfect for everyday shopping—making each outing feel a little more enjoyable.Alternatively, use it at home as a storage basket.Fill it with blankets or stoles, or use it to store your knitting and sewing supplies—there’s plenty of room for yarn and large pieces of fabric.
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.
