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 page introduces two sizes: Small and Medium.
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 wrapped tightly and evenly, resulting in a beautifully smooth finish.Woven from both sides, the rim highlights the natural gradation of color in the vine.The weave is strong and smooth throughout.The base is made with a tight, uniform nami-ami pattern, with no gaps between strands.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.A good size for keeping daily-use items neatly gathered.This is the Medium size.Great for storing towels, scarves, and other soft goods.
Also useful for organizing pantry items or bulk ingredients.
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.
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.
This page introduces two sizes: Small and Medium.
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 wrapped tightly and evenly, resulting in a beautifully smooth finish.Woven from both sides, the rim highlights the natural gradation of color in the vine.The weave is strong and smooth throughout.The base is made with a tight, uniform nami-ami pattern, with no gaps between strands.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.A good size for keeping daily-use items neatly gathered.This is the Medium size.Great for storing towels, scarves, and other soft goods.
Also useful for organizing pantry items or bulk ingredients.
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.
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.
This page introduces two sizes: Small and Medium.
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 wrapped tightly and evenly, resulting in a beautifully smooth finish.Woven from both sides, the rim highlights the natural gradation of color in the vine.The weave is strong and smooth throughout.The base is made with a tight, uniform nami-ami pattern, with no gaps between strands.
Now, let us introduce each size.
This is the Small size.A good size for keeping daily-use items neatly gathered.This is the Medium size.Great for storing towels, scarves, and other soft goods.
Also useful for organizing pantry items or bulk ingredients.
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.
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.
