This is a basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water. It has a crisp, rectangular shape.
A similar version of this basket is also made with bark-on Akebi vine in a natural brown tone.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, 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 weaving is strong yet smooth, and the surface feels especially sleek due to the absence of outer bark.The rim is tightly wrapped with thick, split Akebi vine, laid evenly with minimal bumps for a polished finish.Seen from above, the rim is tightly wrapped from both sides with vine.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.It’s just the right size for organizing small items.An A4-size sheet fits perfectly, making it ideal for documents or folders.In its region of origin, it’s commonly called a “document basket.” Besides paperwork, it’s useful for storing pantry goods, folded towels, or other daily essentials.Perfect for holding face towels, too.
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.
When human care is applied to a raw material in its natural state, the result can become something far more beautiful than nature alone.
This basket seems to express that very idea—through both its color and form. Its tone is unlike anything found in nature, the result of a chemical reaction between the vine and mineral-rich spring water, giving it a rich, earthy elegance.
It’s also practical for remote work—ideal for storing documents and keeping your space organized. Even when not in use, it makes a striking addition to any room.
From material selection to finish, the quality is excellent. We hope this basket will become a lasting companion in your daily life.
_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. It has a crisp, rectangular shape.
A similar version of this basket is also made with bark-on Akebi vine in a natural brown tone.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, 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 weaving is strong yet smooth, and the surface feels especially sleek due to the absence of outer bark.The rim is tightly wrapped with thick, split Akebi vine, laid evenly with minimal bumps for a polished finish.Seen from above, the rim is tightly wrapped from both sides with vine.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.It’s just the right size for organizing small items.An A4-size sheet fits perfectly, making it ideal for documents or folders.In its region of origin, it’s commonly called a “document basket.” Besides paperwork, it’s useful for storing pantry goods, folded towels, or other daily essentials.Perfect for holding face towels, too.
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.
When human care is applied to a raw material in its natural state, the result can become something far more beautiful than nature alone.
This basket seems to express that very idea—through both its color and form. Its tone is unlike anything found in nature, the result of a chemical reaction between the vine and mineral-rich spring water, giving it a rich, earthy elegance.
It’s also practical for remote work—ideal for storing documents and keeping your space organized. Even when not in use, it makes a striking addition to any room.
From material selection to finish, the quality is excellent. We hope this basket will become a lasting companion in your daily life.
_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. It has a crisp, rectangular shape.
A similar version of this basket is also made with bark-on Akebi vine in a natural brown tone.
It is woven using the Sukashi Weave, 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 weaving is strong yet smooth, and the surface feels especially sleek due to the absence of outer bark.The rim is tightly wrapped with thick, split Akebi vine, laid evenly with minimal bumps for a polished finish.Seen from above, the rim is tightly wrapped from both sides with vine.The base is finished in a tight Nami-ami, giving it a firm, structured feel.It’s just the right size for organizing small items.An A4-size sheet fits perfectly, making it ideal for documents or folders.In its region of origin, it’s commonly called a “document basket.” Besides paperwork, it’s useful for storing pantry goods, folded towels, or other daily essentials.Perfect for holding face towels, too.
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.
When human care is applied to a raw material in its natural state, the result can become something far more beautiful than nature alone.
This basket seems to express that very idea—through both its color and form. Its tone is unlike anything found in nature, the result of a chemical reaction between the vine and mineral-rich spring water, giving it a rich, earthy elegance.
It’s also practical for remote work—ideal for storing documents and keeping your space organized. Even when not in use, it makes a striking addition to any room.
From material selection to finish, the quality is excellent. We hope this basket will become a lasting companion in your daily life.
_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.
