This is a tote basket handwoven from Akebi vine. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
This page features two sizes: Small and Medium. Both are made in nearly the same way.
The body is woven in a technique called Ajiro-ami.Relatively thick Akebi vines are split in half and woven in pairs, creating a neat, repetitive pattern.While Ajiro Weave is commonly used in bamboo crafts, it’s rarely seen in Akebi work and is uncommon outside of Nagano. Yet when you see the finished basket, it brings out a texture and character unique to Akebi vine.Next is a side view of the rim. Like the rest of the basket, it is woven with thick, split vines, tightly placed with little space between.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.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 handles can open outward and also fold inward when not in use, making it easy to place or store. Seen from above, the basket clearly takes on the gentle oval shape that gives it its name.The base continues with the same Ajiro Weave. The tight weave offers both a clean look and reliable strength.This is the Small size.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.The Medium is a classic size for a tote basket and offers ample capacity.The handles are long enough to rest comfortably on the arm. Because of the Ajiro-ami, the contents are hardly visible, offering peace of mind. The paired strips used in the Ajiro weave create a strong presence.
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.
Although the weave is dense, the entire basket is made from split Akebi vines, so it feels lighter than it looks. Akebi vine totes go well with traditional Japanese attire, but they also pair beautifully with casual styles like denim.
Ajiro-ami is common in bamboo work, but it is rare and eye-catching in Akebi craft. Please choose the size that best suits your style.
_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. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
This page features two sizes: Small and Medium. Both are made in nearly the same way.
The body is woven in a technique called Ajiro-ami.Relatively thick Akebi vines are split in half and woven in pairs, creating a neat, repetitive pattern.While Ajiro Weave is commonly used in bamboo crafts, it’s rarely seen in Akebi work and is uncommon outside of Nagano. Yet when you see the finished basket, it brings out a texture and character unique to Akebi vine.Next is a side view of the rim. Like the rest of the basket, it is woven with thick, split vines, tightly placed with little space between.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.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 handles can open outward and also fold inward when not in use, making it easy to place or store. Seen from above, the basket clearly takes on the gentle oval shape that gives it its name.The base continues with the same Ajiro Weave. The tight weave offers both a clean look and reliable strength.This is the Small size.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.The Medium is a classic size for a tote basket and offers ample capacity.The handles are long enough to rest comfortably on the arm. Because of the Ajiro-ami, the contents are hardly visible, offering peace of mind. The paired strips used in the Ajiro weave create a strong presence.
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.
Although the weave is dense, the entire basket is made from split Akebi vines, so it feels lighter than it looks. Akebi vine totes go well with traditional Japanese attire, but they also pair beautifully with casual styles like denim.
Ajiro-ami is common in bamboo work, but it is rare and eye-catching in Akebi craft. Please choose the size that best suits your style.
_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. In Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed. But this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.
This page features two sizes: Small and Medium. Both are made in nearly the same way.
The body is woven in a technique called Ajiro-ami.Relatively thick Akebi vines are split in half and woven in pairs, creating a neat, repetitive pattern.While Ajiro Weave is commonly used in bamboo crafts, it’s rarely seen in Akebi work and is uncommon outside of Nagano. Yet when you see the finished basket, it brings out a texture and character unique to Akebi vine.Next is a side view of the rim. Like the rest of the basket, it is woven with thick, split vines, tightly placed with little space between.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.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 handles can open outward and also fold inward when not in use, making it easy to place or store. Seen from above, the basket clearly takes on the gentle oval shape that gives it its name.The base continues with the same Ajiro Weave. The tight weave offers both a clean look and reliable strength.This is the Small size.This is the Medium size.Here is how the Medium size looks when held.The Medium is a classic size for a tote basket and offers ample capacity.The handles are long enough to rest comfortably on the arm. Because of the Ajiro-ami, the contents are hardly visible, offering peace of mind. The paired strips used in the Ajiro weave create a strong presence.
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.
Although the weave is dense, the entire basket is made from split Akebi vines, so it feels lighter than it looks. Akebi vine totes go well with traditional Japanese attire, but they also pair beautifully with casual styles like denim.
Ajiro-ami is common in bamboo work, but it is rare and eye-catching in Akebi craft. Please choose the size that best suits your style.
_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.
