This is a basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water.
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.Seen from the inside, the attachment is firmly secured.The handle is neatly and securely fastened to the rim.From above, the basket has a perfect circular shape.At the base, the weave begins at the center in a crisscross pattern, spreading outward in a flat, mat-like structure—an approach unique to the flexibility of Akebi craft.
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.
A compact and rounded basket with a charming 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 basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water.
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.Seen from the inside, the attachment is firmly secured.The handle is neatly and securely fastened to the rim.From above, the basket has a perfect circular shape.At the base, the weave begins at the center in a crisscross pattern, spreading outward in a flat, mat-like structure—an approach unique to the flexibility of Akebi craft.
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.
A compact and rounded basket with a charming 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 basket made from Muki Akebi (gray Akebi vine), in which the bark is removed using hot spring water or river water.
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.Seen from the inside, the attachment is firmly secured.The handle is neatly and securely fastened to the rim.From above, the basket has a perfect circular shape.At the base, the weave begins at the center in a crisscross pattern, spreading outward in a flat, mat-like structure—an approach unique to the flexibility of Akebi craft.
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.
A compact and rounded basket with a charming 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.
