This is a basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water. Looking from above, the basket forms an oval shape—hence its name.
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, you can notice decorative weaving at the handle, varying slightly by size.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.Its form is crisp and oval, with the rounded sides held firmly in place.This is the Small size.This is the Large size.It’s a convenient size for carrying daily care items in one hand as you move between rooms.Also great for holding seasonal fruit or pieces of fruit you’d like to ripen a bit more.
You can place it in the kitchen with fruit, snacks, or bread, or use it in the living room or bathroom to organize small items.
While the surface may appear pale under bright light, this material subtly shifts in tone depending on the lighting or weather, offering depth and quiet variation. With time, it will gradually develop a deeper patina.
Large sizeSmall size
The handle also creates a sense of space within the basket. With its soft, oval form, this basket brings a sense of charm wherever you place it.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
_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 basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water. Looking from above, the basket forms an oval shape—hence its name.
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, you can notice decorative weaving at the handle, varying slightly by size.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.Its form is crisp and oval, with the rounded sides held firmly in place.This is the Small size.This is the Large size.It’s a convenient size for carrying daily care items in one hand as you move between rooms.Also great for holding seasonal fruit or pieces of fruit you’d like to ripen a bit more.
You can place it in the kitchen with fruit, snacks, or bread, or use it in the living room or bathroom to organize small items.
While the surface may appear pale under bright light, this material subtly shifts in tone depending on the lighting or weather, offering depth and quiet variation. With time, it will gradually develop a deeper patina.
Large sizeSmall size
The handle also creates a sense of space within the basket. With its soft, oval form, this basket brings a sense of charm wherever you place it.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
_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 basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water. Looking from above, the basket forms an oval shape—hence its name.
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, you can notice decorative weaving at the handle, varying slightly by size.The base is done in Nami-ami, a tightly woven technique with minimal spacing.Its form is crisp and oval, with the rounded sides held firmly in place.This is the Small size.This is the Large size.It’s a convenient size for carrying daily care items in one hand as you move between rooms.Also great for holding seasonal fruit or pieces of fruit you’d like to ripen a bit more.
You can place it in the kitchen with fruit, snacks, or bread, or use it in the living room or bathroom to organize small items.
While the surface may appear pale under bright light, this material subtly shifts in tone depending on the lighting or weather, offering depth and quiet variation. With time, it will gradually develop a deeper patina.
Large sizeSmall size
The handle also creates a sense of space within the basket. With its soft, oval form, this basket brings a sense of charm wherever you place it.
Please choose the size that best suits your needs.
_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.
