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 features two types of tote baskets made with the same weaving technique: the “Straight” and the “Curved” types.
Both are crafted using a traditional method known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Even up close, the beauty of the color and the consistency of the weave are breathtaking. It’s hard to believe these vines once grew wild in the mountains.Every part of the basket is woven with strength and smooth precision, without interruption.Even where the rim curves sharply, the finish is neat and tightly constructed.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 handles can open outward or be folded inward and laid flat when not in use.Unlike the Sukashi-ami of the sides, the base is made using a denser Gozame-ami pattern for extra strength and stability.
Let’s take another look at both basket types.
This is the “Straight” type.This is how the “Straight” basket looks when carried.It’s a comfortable size to carry, and fits easily on the arm.And this is the “Curved” type.From the side, you can see that while the “Straight” type is nearly vertical, the “Curved” one gently bulges outward toward the base.This is how the “Curved” type looks when carried.Here it is on the arm—easy to coordinate with any outfit or occasion.Although their measurements are nearly identical, placing the two side by side makes it clear—they are similar, yet distinctly different.t’s a quiet reminder of how even subtle differences can dramatically change the impression of a basket.The gray tone is elegant and subdued, while the weaving gives a light and airy feel. Both types are beautifully crafted with a high level of finish.
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 type that best suits your taste.
_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 features two types of tote baskets made with the same weaving technique: the “Straight” and the “Curved” types.
Both are crafted using a traditional method known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Even up close, the beauty of the color and the consistency of the weave are breathtaking. It’s hard to believe these vines once grew wild in the mountains.Every part of the basket is woven with strength and smooth precision, without interruption.Even where the rim curves sharply, the finish is neat and tightly constructed.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 handles can open outward or be folded inward and laid flat when not in use.Unlike the Sukashi-ami of the sides, the base is made using a denser Gozame-ami pattern for extra strength and stability.
Let’s take another look at both basket types.
This is the “Straight” type.This is how the “Straight” basket looks when carried.It’s a comfortable size to carry, and fits easily on the arm.And this is the “Curved” type.From the side, you can see that while the “Straight” type is nearly vertical, the “Curved” one gently bulges outward toward the base.This is how the “Curved” type looks when carried.Here it is on the arm—easy to coordinate with any outfit or occasion.Although their measurements are nearly identical, placing the two side by side makes it clear—they are similar, yet distinctly different.t’s a quiet reminder of how even subtle differences can dramatically change the impression of a basket.The gray tone is elegant and subdued, while the weaving gives a light and airy feel. Both types are beautifully crafted with a high level of finish.
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 type that best suits your taste.
_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 features two types of tote baskets made with the same weaving technique: the “Straight” and the “Curved” types.
Both are crafted using a traditional method known in the region as Sukashi-ami.Even up close, the beauty of the color and the consistency of the weave are breathtaking. It’s hard to believe these vines once grew wild in the mountains.Every part of the basket is woven with strength and smooth precision, without interruption.Even where the rim curves sharply, the finish is neat and tightly constructed.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 handles can open outward or be folded inward and laid flat when not in use.Unlike the Sukashi-ami of the sides, the base is made using a denser Gozame-ami pattern for extra strength and stability.
Let’s take another look at both basket types.
This is the “Straight” type.This is how the “Straight” basket looks when carried.It’s a comfortable size to carry, and fits easily on the arm.And this is the “Curved” type.From the side, you can see that while the “Straight” type is nearly vertical, the “Curved” one gently bulges outward toward the base.This is how the “Curved” type looks when carried.Here it is on the arm—easy to coordinate with any outfit or occasion.Although their measurements are nearly identical, placing the two side by side makes it clear—they are similar, yet distinctly different.t’s a quiet reminder of how even subtle differences can dramatically change the impression of a basket.The gray tone is elegant and subdued, while the weaving gives a light and airy feel. Both types are beautifully crafted with a high level of finish.
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 type that best suits your taste.
_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.
