This is a handled 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.
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.This weave is a staple in Akebi craft—made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and strength.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 connection between the rim and handle is reinforced with thick vines, securely bound to the body.Each side of the rim is wrapped with three vines, creating a bit of play while staying firmly fixed. The upright handles add a distinctive accent.The basket has a beautiful round shape.Its base begins with six or seven strips in an Ajiro weave, which extend upward to form the vertical ribs.手に持ったサイズ感です。You might use it to hold bananas, apples, or seasonal fruit. It also works nicely for snacks or a tea set.In the kitchen or on the dining table, it’s perfect for storing cups or glasses you use often.
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’s the kind of basket that makes you want to place something inside. With its upright “ears” and gentle round shape, it’s simply pleasing to look at.
We hope you enjoy finding your own favorite way and place to use it.
_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 handled 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.
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.This weave is a staple in Akebi craft—made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and strength.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 connection between the rim and handle is reinforced with thick vines, securely bound to the body.Each side of the rim is wrapped with three vines, creating a bit of play while staying firmly fixed. The upright handles add a distinctive accent.The basket has a beautiful round shape.Its base begins with six or seven strips in an Ajiro weave, which extend upward to form the vertical ribs.手に持ったサイズ感です。You might use it to hold bananas, apples, or seasonal fruit. It also works nicely for snacks or a tea set.In the kitchen or on the dining table, it’s perfect for storing cups or glasses you use often.
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’s the kind of basket that makes you want to place something inside. With its upright “ears” and gentle round shape, it’s simply pleasing to look at.
We hope you enjoy finding your own favorite way and place to use it.
_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 handled 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.
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.This weave is a staple in Akebi craft—made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and strength.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 connection between the rim and handle is reinforced with thick vines, securely bound to the body.Each side of the rim is wrapped with three vines, creating a bit of play while staying firmly fixed. The upright handles add a distinctive accent.The basket has a beautiful round shape.Its base begins with six or seven strips in an Ajiro weave, which extend upward to form the vertical ribs.手に持ったサイズ感です。You might use it to hold bananas, apples, or seasonal fruit. It also works nicely for snacks or a tea set.In the kitchen or on the dining table, it’s perfect for storing cups or glasses you use often.
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’s the kind of basket that makes you want to place something inside. With its upright “ears” and gentle round shape, it’s simply pleasing to look at.
We hope you enjoy finding your own favorite way and place to use it.
_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.
