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 page features a light, airy tote basket woven in the Sukashi-ami style, available in two sizes: Small and Medium.
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.While some Akebi baskets are made using split vines, this one is woven with whole, round vines, preserving the natural texture of wild Akebi just as it is found in the mountains.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 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 rim and handle are connected by two interlinked rings, like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down flat.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is formed by wrapping an Akebi vine around a thicker Akebi core, creating a solid grip.The handles can open outward to this extent, or fold inward neatly. This makes it easy to insert or remove items. As its name Oval Tote Basket suggests, the basket has a softly oval shape.The base of the basket is also tightly woven, creating a firm and solid foundation.This is the Small size.It has enough space to carry your essentials—like your wallet, keys, pouch, and a bottle.Even in the Small size, the handles are long enough to slip over your arm.Please note that both Small and Medium sizes may have slight irregularities in shape, due to their handwoven nature.This is the Medium size.Although the weave is open, the contents inside are not very visible.You can also cover the basket with a handkerchief-sized cloth, or place a drawstring pouch or fabric bag inside.
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.
The Sukashi-ami gives a light, airy impression when carried. Akebi vine tote baskets pair beautifully with traditional Japanese attire, but they also go wonderfully with casual styles like denim.
Beyond everyday outings, this basket works well as a work bag for commuting, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry with you for years to come, in many different moments of your life.
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 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 page features a light, airy tote basket woven in the Sukashi-ami style, available in two sizes: Small and Medium.
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.While some Akebi baskets are made using split vines, this one is woven with whole, round vines, preserving the natural texture of wild Akebi just as it is found in the mountains.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 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 rim and handle are connected by two interlinked rings, like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down flat.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is formed by wrapping an Akebi vine around a thicker Akebi core, creating a solid grip.The handles can open outward to this extent, or fold inward neatly. This makes it easy to insert or remove items. As its name Oval Tote Basket suggests, the basket has a softly oval shape.The base of the basket is also tightly woven, creating a firm and solid foundation.This is the Small size.It has enough space to carry your essentials—like your wallet, keys, pouch, and a bottle.Even in the Small size, the handles are long enough to slip over your arm.Please note that both Small and Medium sizes may have slight irregularities in shape, due to their handwoven nature.This is the Medium size.Although the weave is open, the contents inside are not very visible.You can also cover the basket with a handkerchief-sized cloth, or place a drawstring pouch or fabric bag inside.
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.
The Sukashi-ami gives a light, airy impression when carried. Akebi vine tote baskets pair beautifully with traditional Japanese attire, but they also go wonderfully with casual styles like denim.
Beyond everyday outings, this basket works well as a work bag for commuting, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry with you for years to come, in many different moments of your life.
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 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 page features a light, airy tote basket woven in the Sukashi-ami style, available in two sizes: Small and Medium.
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.While some Akebi baskets are made using split vines, this one is woven with whole, round vines, preserving the natural texture of wild Akebi just as it is found in the mountains.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 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 rim and handle are connected by two interlinked rings, like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down flat.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle is formed by wrapping an Akebi vine around a thicker Akebi core, creating a solid grip.The handles can open outward to this extent, or fold inward neatly. This makes it easy to insert or remove items. As its name Oval Tote Basket suggests, the basket has a softly oval shape.The base of the basket is also tightly woven, creating a firm and solid foundation.This is the Small size.It has enough space to carry your essentials—like your wallet, keys, pouch, and a bottle.Even in the Small size, the handles are long enough to slip over your arm.Please note that both Small and Medium sizes may have slight irregularities in shape, due to their handwoven nature.This is the Medium size.Although the weave is open, the contents inside are not very visible.You can also cover the basket with a handkerchief-sized cloth, or place a drawstring pouch or fabric bag inside.
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.
The Sukashi-ami gives a light, airy impression when carried. Akebi vine tote baskets pair beautifully with traditional Japanese attire, but they also go wonderfully with casual styles like denim.
Beyond everyday outings, this basket works well as a work bag for commuting, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry with you for years to come, in many different moments of your life.
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.
