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 basket is woven in a technique called Tobi-ami, a relatively rare method among Akebi baskets from this maker.It uses thick Akebi vines that have been split in half. Across the vertical ribs that form the basket’s framework, the vines are woven horizontally in a braid-like pattern.The resulting pattern is full of flowing curves—a signature of supple, slender Akebi vines. With its tightly woven surface, you can enjoy the natural, wave-like patterns created by the material itself.The rim is also finished in a braided style, like a decorative plait. Beneath the rim, two lines of stitching add a subtle touch of elegance.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down easily.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 made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down. Inside the basket, you can see the exposed fiber texture of the split vines.The base is also woven in a tight, structured pattern, providing solid strength.Although it is densely woven with generous use of vine strips, the vines have been split in half, making the basket feel lighter than it looks—easy to carry.An A4 file fits sideways, though it slightly extends beyond the rim.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket.
Perfect not only for daily outings, but also for work commutes, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_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 tote basket 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.
This basket is woven in a technique called Tobi-ami, a relatively rare method among Akebi baskets from this maker.It uses thick Akebi vines that have been split in half. Across the vertical ribs that form the basket’s framework, the vines are woven horizontally in a braid-like pattern.The resulting pattern is full of flowing curves—a signature of supple, slender Akebi vines. With its tightly woven surface, you can enjoy the natural, wave-like patterns created by the material itself.The rim is also finished in a braided style, like a decorative plait. Beneath the rim, two lines of stitching add a subtle touch of elegance.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down easily.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 made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down. Inside the basket, you can see the exposed fiber texture of the split vines.The base is also woven in a tight, structured pattern, providing solid strength.Although it is densely woven with generous use of vine strips, the vines have been split in half, making the basket feel lighter than it looks—easy to carry.An A4 file fits sideways, though it slightly extends beyond the rim.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket.
Perfect not only for daily outings, but also for work commutes, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_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 tote basket 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.
This basket is woven in a technique called Tobi-ami, a relatively rare method among Akebi baskets from this maker.It uses thick Akebi vines that have been split in half. Across the vertical ribs that form the basket’s framework, the vines are woven horizontally in a braid-like pattern.The resulting pattern is full of flowing curves—a signature of supple, slender Akebi vines. With its tightly woven surface, you can enjoy the natural, wave-like patterns created by the material itself.The rim is also finished in a braided style, like a decorative plait. Beneath the rim, two lines of stitching add a subtle touch of elegance.Seen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.At the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain. This allows the handles to open wide or fold down easily.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 made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.The handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down. Inside the basket, you can see the exposed fiber texture of the split vines.The base is also woven in a tight, structured pattern, providing solid strength.Although it is densely woven with generous use of vine strips, the vines have been split in half, making the basket feel lighter than it looks—easy to carry.An A4 file fits sideways, though it slightly extends beyond the rim.
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 clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket.
Perfect not only for daily outings, but also for work commutes, or as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum. It’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.
_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.
