この地域では「すかし編み」と呼ばれる技法で編まれています。すかし編みはあけび蔓細工ではオーソドックスな技法で、中が見えるほどの透け感があります。For the rim, vines split vertically in half are used.The natural gradation of color in the vine appears almost like a pattern, giving the basket a beautiful finish.Here is the joint between the rim and the handle. Its wild yet refined binding is a hallmark of Akebi vine work.This is the same connection viewed from the inside. It is cleanly and securely bound.The handle is made by wrapping Muki Akebi vine around a thick rattan core. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.Seen from above, the two arching parts are bound at the center with wrapped vine, creating a smooth and comfortable grip. The handle also shows a lovely natural gradation of color.The base is woven in a dense Nami-ami, which ensures that items won’t fall through any gaps.Shown here being held in the hand.It has plenty of room for fabric items like clothing, towels, or stoles.Also ideal for packing food, lunch boxes, and drinks for camping or picnics.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home as well.
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 large basket with presence—you might enjoy just looking at it.
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.
こちらは温泉や川の水を利用してあけびの表皮を剥いた、むきあけびのかごです。
この地域では「すかし編み」と呼ばれる技法で編まれています。すかし編みはあけび蔓細工ではオーソドックスな技法で、中が見えるほどの透け感があります。For the rim, vines split vertically in half are used.The natural gradation of color in the vine appears almost like a pattern, giving the basket a beautiful finish.Here is the joint between the rim and the handle. Its wild yet refined binding is a hallmark of Akebi vine work.This is the same connection viewed from the inside. It is cleanly and securely bound.The handle is made by wrapping Muki Akebi vine around a thick rattan core. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.Seen from above, the two arching parts are bound at the center with wrapped vine, creating a smooth and comfortable grip. The handle also shows a lovely natural gradation of color.The base is woven in a dense Nami-ami, which ensures that items won’t fall through any gaps.Shown here being held in the hand.It has plenty of room for fabric items like clothing, towels, or stoles.Also ideal for packing food, lunch boxes, and drinks for camping or picnics.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home as well.
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 large basket with presence—you might enjoy just looking at it.
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.
こちらは温泉や川の水を利用してあけびの表皮を剥いた、むきあけびのかごです。
この地域では「すかし編み」と呼ばれる技法で編まれています。すかし編みはあけび蔓細工ではオーソドックスな技法で、中が見えるほどの透け感があります。For the rim, vines split vertically in half are used.The natural gradation of color in the vine appears almost like a pattern, giving the basket a beautiful finish.Here is the joint between the rim and the handle. Its wild yet refined binding is a hallmark of Akebi vine work.This is the same connection viewed from the inside. It is cleanly and securely bound.The handle is made by wrapping Muki Akebi vine around a thick rattan core. Its surface is beautifully smooth—one of the defining traits of Muki Akebi, made possible by removing the outer bark.Seen from above, the two arching parts are bound at the center with wrapped vine, creating a smooth and comfortable grip. The handle also shows a lovely natural gradation of color.The base is woven in a dense Nami-ami, which ensures that items won’t fall through any gaps.Shown here being held in the hand.It has plenty of room for fabric items like clothing, towels, or stoles.Also ideal for packing food, lunch boxes, and drinks for camping or picnics.It works beautifully as a storage basket at home as well.
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 large basket with presence—you might enjoy just looking at it.
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.
