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 in the traditional technique known as Nami-ami, with a compact and softly structured form.For this piece, slightly paler strips of Muki Akebi vine are used in places, giving the basket a subtle line pattern. Please note: Due to natural variation, some pieces may not feature this pattern.The rim is smoothly integrated into the overall shape, following its gentle curves. A stitch runs just beneath the rim.Seen from above, the rim is double-layered—woven from both the inside and outside—offering excellent strength.The handle is connected to the rim using two vine rings linked like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle itself is formed with a thick rattan core wrapped in Muki Akebi vine. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.The handle can open outward, or fold to one side when not in use.The base, like the sides, is tightly woven in the Nami-ami style, giving the basket a solid structure.While the opening is narrow, the basket is roomy enough to hold a wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.A long wallet can be inserted vertically and then laid flat inside the basket.
Its calm tones and classic weave make it suitable for both Japanese and Western outfits, and for a wide range of occasions.
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.
From quick errands and strolls, to dinners or theater outings— it’s a charming little tote you’ll want to carry with you daily.
Please note: This is not a one-of-a-kind item. Due to natural variation, some baskets may not feature the pale line pattern shown in the photos.
_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 in the traditional technique known as Nami-ami, with a compact and softly structured form.For this piece, slightly paler strips of Muki Akebi vine are used in places, giving the basket a subtle line pattern. Please note: Due to natural variation, some pieces may not feature this pattern.The rim is smoothly integrated into the overall shape, following its gentle curves. A stitch runs just beneath the rim.Seen from above, the rim is double-layered—woven from both the inside and outside—offering excellent strength.The handle is connected to the rim using two vine rings linked like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle itself is formed with a thick rattan core wrapped in Muki Akebi vine. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.The handle can open outward, or fold to one side when not in use.The base, like the sides, is tightly woven in the Nami-ami style, giving the basket a solid structure.While the opening is narrow, the basket is roomy enough to hold a wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.A long wallet can be inserted vertically and then laid flat inside the basket.
Its calm tones and classic weave make it suitable for both Japanese and Western outfits, and for a wide range of occasions.
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.
From quick errands and strolls, to dinners or theater outings— it’s a charming little tote you’ll want to carry with you daily.
Please note: This is not a one-of-a-kind item. Due to natural variation, some baskets may not feature the pale line pattern shown in the photos.
_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 in the traditional technique known as Nami-ami, with a compact and softly structured form.For this piece, slightly paler strips of Muki Akebi vine are used in places, giving the basket a subtle line pattern. Please note: Due to natural variation, some pieces may not feature this pattern.The rim is smoothly integrated into the overall shape, following its gentle curves. A stitch runs just beneath the rim.Seen from above, the rim is double-layered—woven from both the inside and outside—offering excellent strength.The handle is connected to the rim using two vine rings linked like a chain.Over time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.The handle itself is formed with a thick rattan core wrapped in Muki Akebi vine. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.The handle can open outward, or fold to one side when not in use.The base, like the sides, is tightly woven in the Nami-ami style, giving the basket a solid structure.While the opening is narrow, the basket is roomy enough to hold a wallet, keys, phone, and a small pouch.A long wallet can be inserted vertically and then laid flat inside the basket.
Its calm tones and classic weave make it suitable for both Japanese and Western outfits, and for a wide range of occasions.
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.
From quick errands and strolls, to dinners or theater outings— it’s a charming little tote you’ll want to carry with you daily.
Please note: This is not a one-of-a-kind item. Due to natural variation, some baskets may not feature the pale line pattern shown in the photos.
_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.
