This is a flower 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 Large.
Both share nearly the same construction.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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.The rim is reinforced with thick Akebi vine, split lengthwise and applied tightly with no gaps.Seen from above, you can see how the rim is wrapped cleanly from both sides.The front of the basket is lower, while the back is taller—and at the top of the back is a woven hanging loop.This loop is also made from Akebi vine, using a finer strand and measuring about 2 cm wide.It is securely attached to the rim.The base of the basket is made using Nami-ami, a tight weave with little spacing.The base is tightly woven, so nothing placed inside will slip through.In some places, you may notice outer bark peelingor small chips in the vine. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not affect use—they are not considered defects.This is the Small size.This is the slimmer of the two and does not fit postcards.It works well as a remote control holder. Hang it on the wall and it keeps things tidy—plus, you’ll always know where they are at a glance.This is the Large size.This one has a fuller, more rounded form, and it fits postcards perfectly.Of course, it can be used for storing letters, but it also makes a lovely wall-mounted flower holder. Place a small glass vase with water inside and add a few wildflowers to brighten up the space.Large size
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.
Its muted colors also help highlight the seasonal beauty of any flowers you display. You can hang it on the wall, or simply place it on a shelf— since it stands on its own, both are beautiful options.
The Large size also works well as a postcard holder. Either size can serve in many ways—perhaps for stationery, writing tools, or however you see fit.
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 flower 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 Large.
Both share nearly the same construction.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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.The rim is reinforced with thick Akebi vine, split lengthwise and applied tightly with no gaps.Seen from above, you can see how the rim is wrapped cleanly from both sides.The front of the basket is lower, while the back is taller—and at the top of the back is a woven hanging loop.This loop is also made from Akebi vine, using a finer strand and measuring about 2 cm wide.It is securely attached to the rim.The base of the basket is made using Nami-ami, a tight weave with little spacing.The base is tightly woven, so nothing placed inside will slip through.In some places, you may notice outer bark peelingor small chips in the vine. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not affect use—they are not considered defects.This is the Small size.This is the slimmer of the two and does not fit postcards.It works well as a remote control holder. Hang it on the wall and it keeps things tidy—plus, you’ll always know where they are at a glance.This is the Large size.This one has a fuller, more rounded form, and it fits postcards perfectly.Of course, it can be used for storing letters, but it also makes a lovely wall-mounted flower holder. Place a small glass vase with water inside and add a few wildflowers to brighten up the space.Large size
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.
Its muted colors also help highlight the seasonal beauty of any flowers you display. You can hang it on the wall, or simply place it on a shelf— since it stands on its own, both are beautiful options.
The Large size also works well as a postcard holder. Either size can serve in many ways—perhaps for stationery, writing tools, or however you see fit.
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 flower 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 Large.
Both share nearly the same construction.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.It’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through the basket.The rim is reinforced with thick Akebi vine, split lengthwise and applied tightly with no gaps.Seen from above, you can see how the rim is wrapped cleanly from both sides.The front of the basket is lower, while the back is taller—and at the top of the back is a woven hanging loop.This loop is also made from Akebi vine, using a finer strand and measuring about 2 cm wide.It is securely attached to the rim.The base of the basket is made using Nami-ami, a tight weave with little spacing.The base is tightly woven, so nothing placed inside will slip through.In some places, you may notice outer bark peelingor small chips in the vine. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not affect use—they are not considered defects.This is the Small size.This is the slimmer of the two and does not fit postcards.It works well as a remote control holder. Hang it on the wall and it keeps things tidy—plus, you’ll always know where they are at a glance.This is the Large size.This one has a fuller, more rounded form, and it fits postcards perfectly.Of course, it can be used for storing letters, but it also makes a lovely wall-mounted flower holder. Place a small glass vase with water inside and add a few wildflowers to brighten up the space.Large size
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.
Its muted colors also help highlight the seasonal beauty of any flowers you display. You can hang it on the wall, or simply place it on a shelf— since it stands on its own, both are beautiful options.
The Large size also works well as a postcard holder. Either size can serve in many ways—perhaps for stationery, writing tools, or however you see fit.
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.
