This is a handled 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 basket is woven using a technique known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Sukashi-ami is a traditional weaving method often seen in Akebi work, characterized by its openness that lets you see through the basket.The rim is wrapped with Akebi vine that has been split lengthwise and used as strips.It’s tightly and evenly wrapped, resulting in a clean, refined finish.Here is the connection point where the handle meets the rim. The base of the handle is secured to the rim at two points.From the inside, you can see that the connection is firmly fixed.The two base strands of the handle are joined into one and wrapped tightly with vine—forming a clean, graceful arch.Seen from above, the handle area features a decorative weave.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.
This basket is perfect for holding fruit, snacks, or bread in the kitchen, or for organizing small items in the living room or bathroom.
It also happens to be just the right size for storing origami paper.
It also works well as a tidy spot for a small broom or your most-used tools.
Compact, square, and neatly shaped—this basket has a quiet charm and an inviting presence.
_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. 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 basket is woven using a technique known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Sukashi-ami is a traditional weaving method often seen in Akebi work, characterized by its openness that lets you see through the basket.The rim is wrapped with Akebi vine that has been split lengthwise and used as strips.It’s tightly and evenly wrapped, resulting in a clean, refined finish.Here is the connection point where the handle meets the rim. The base of the handle is secured to the rim at two points.From the inside, you can see that the connection is firmly fixed.The two base strands of the handle are joined into one and wrapped tightly with vine—forming a clean, graceful arch.Seen from above, the handle area features a decorative weave.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.
This basket is perfect for holding fruit, snacks, or bread in the kitchen, or for organizing small items in the living room or bathroom.
It also happens to be just the right size for storing origami paper.
It also works well as a tidy spot for a small broom or your most-used tools.
Compact, square, and neatly shaped—this basket has a quiet charm and an inviting presence.
_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. 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 basket is woven using a technique known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Sukashi-ami is a traditional weaving method often seen in Akebi work, characterized by its openness that lets you see through the basket.The rim is wrapped with Akebi vine that has been split lengthwise and used as strips.It’s tightly and evenly wrapped, resulting in a clean, refined finish.Here is the connection point where the handle meets the rim. The base of the handle is secured to the rim at two points.From the inside, you can see that the connection is firmly fixed.The two base strands of the handle are joined into one and wrapped tightly with vine—forming a clean, graceful arch.Seen from above, the handle area features a decorative weave.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.
This basket is perfect for holding fruit, snacks, or bread in the kitchen, or for organizing small items in the living room or bathroom.
It also happens to be just the right size for storing origami paper.
It also works well as a tidy spot for a small broom or your most-used tools.
Compact, square, and neatly shaped—this basket has a quiet charm and an inviting presence.
_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.
