This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in the Azuma mountain range, located between Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures.
Grapevine can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high.
Among the many kinds of vines used in basketry, Grapevine is especially valued for its exceptional durability. It can be used for many years, and one of its most distinctive qualities is that it gradually develops a rich luster from the natural oils of your hands.
This is a rather unusual shape for a basket made from Grapevine.
Most Grapevine baskets are made as hand baskets. This one, however, is woven in the traditional ajiro-ami technique and finished with a briefcase-like design, with the handles integrated into the body of the basket.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. In contrast, this basket is made from exceptionally fine strips, carefully woven in the ajiro-ami technique to create a refined finish.The rim is finished by wrapping Grapevine tightly around it without any gaps. Many baskets are finished with a rim wrapping technique in which the vine is wound in a single direction. This basket, however, is finished with a kaeshi-makibuchi, in which the vine is first wrapped in one direction, then wrapped again in the opposite direction, overlapping the first layer.The rim is reinforced with a core of bamboo and rattan, providing the handles with both strength and flexibility.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. Their straight shape is neither too thin nor too thick, making them comfortable to hold. Thanks in part to the reinforced core, they feel secure and stable in the hand.It is large enough to hold A4 documents placed horizontally. You can also carry a tablet, a laptop, documents, and writing tools together with ease.This is the underside of the basket. It is also neatly woven in the ajiro-ami technique, with a clean and well-balanced finish.It is also just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap while seated.When the light falls on the basket, its finely woven pattern gently comes into view.When you grip the handles firmly, the opening flexes gently, giving the basket a comfortable feel rather than a rigid one.Because the opening is designed to flex, the top of the basket is slightly open.Its slim profile gives the basket a clean and refined appearance. It also works well beside a sofa or under a desk for everyday storage.Viewed from the side, the basket has a dignified presence.
Whether you take it with you on outings or use it at home as a storage basket, it is a piece meant to be enjoyed in everyday life. Rather than putting it away, keep it where you can see and use it every day. Over time, it will gradually develop a beautiful luster and become even more attractive.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Its appearance changes with the angle, the light, and the place where it is used. Over time, the natural oils from your hands will gradually become part of the basket, giving it a character that is uniquely yours. We hope you will enjoy watching its appearance change over the years.
Handwoven Grapevine Baskets from Southern Yamagata
Yamagata Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan on the western side of the southern Tohoku region.
Its southern area, however, lies inland, surrounded by mountains rather than the sea. Towns have long been established in the mountain valleys, and in this landscape, where mountains cover most of the land, heavy snowfall in winter gave rise to a tradition of bark and vine craftsmanship as winter work for farming families.
In this region, materials gathered from the mountains—such as walnut bark, Grapevine, Akebi vine, and Matatabi vine— have long been used to make everyday tools and household items. Even today, there are people working to preserve and pass on these valuable skills.
Grapevine has long been valued as a material for basketry. The vines can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and among the many kinds of vines used in basketry— such as Akebi vine and Matatabi vine—it is especially prized for its exceptional durability.
The Grapevine baskets made in this region are woven from vines that have been carefully split and thinned into fine strips, resulting in baskets that are both lightweight and remarkably durable. As they are used day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually enrich the surface with a beautiful luster—a unique quality of Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes with age over the years.
This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in the Azuma mountain range, located between Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures.
Grapevine can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high.
Among the many kinds of vines used in basketry, Grapevine is especially valued for its exceptional durability. It can be used for many years, and one of its most distinctive qualities is that it gradually develops a rich luster from the natural oils of your hands.
This is a rather unusual shape for a basket made from Grapevine.
Most Grapevine baskets are made as hand baskets. This one, however, is woven in the traditional ajiro-ami technique and finished with a briefcase-like design, with the handles integrated into the body of the basket.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. In contrast, this basket is made from exceptionally fine strips, carefully woven in the ajiro-ami technique to create a refined finish.The rim is finished by wrapping Grapevine tightly around it without any gaps. Many baskets are finished with a rim wrapping technique in which the vine is wound in a single direction. This basket, however, is finished with a kaeshi-makibuchi, in which the vine is first wrapped in one direction, then wrapped again in the opposite direction, overlapping the first layer.The rim is reinforced with a core of bamboo and rattan, providing the handles with both strength and flexibility.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. Their straight shape is neither too thin nor too thick, making them comfortable to hold. Thanks in part to the reinforced core, they feel secure and stable in the hand.It is large enough to hold A4 documents placed horizontally. You can also carry a tablet, a laptop, documents, and writing tools together with ease.This is the underside of the basket. It is also neatly woven in the ajiro-ami technique, with a clean and well-balanced finish.It is also just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap while seated.When the light falls on the basket, its finely woven pattern gently comes into view.When you grip the handles firmly, the opening flexes gently, giving the basket a comfortable feel rather than a rigid one.Because the opening is designed to flex, the top of the basket is slightly open.Its slim profile gives the basket a clean and refined appearance. It also works well beside a sofa or under a desk for everyday storage.Viewed from the side, the basket has a dignified presence.
Whether you take it with you on outings or use it at home as a storage basket, it is a piece meant to be enjoyed in everyday life. Rather than putting it away, keep it where you can see and use it every day. Over time, it will gradually develop a beautiful luster and become even more attractive.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Its appearance changes with the angle, the light, and the place where it is used. Over time, the natural oils from your hands will gradually become part of the basket, giving it a character that is uniquely yours. We hope you will enjoy watching its appearance change over the years.
Handwoven Grapevine Baskets from Southern Yamagata
Yamagata Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan on the western side of the southern Tohoku region.
Its southern area, however, lies inland, surrounded by mountains rather than the sea. Towns have long been established in the mountain valleys, and in this landscape, where mountains cover most of the land, heavy snowfall in winter gave rise to a tradition of bark and vine craftsmanship as winter work for farming families.
In this region, materials gathered from the mountains—such as walnut bark, Grapevine, Akebi vine, and Matatabi vine— have long been used to make everyday tools and household items. Even today, there are people working to preserve and pass on these valuable skills.
Grapevine has long been valued as a material for basketry. The vines can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and among the many kinds of vines used in basketry— such as Akebi vine and Matatabi vine—it is especially prized for its exceptional durability.
The Grapevine baskets made in this region are woven from vines that have been carefully split and thinned into fine strips, resulting in baskets that are both lightweight and remarkably durable. As they are used day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually enrich the surface with a beautiful luster—a unique quality of Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes with age over the years.
This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in the Azuma mountain range, located between Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures.
Grapevine can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high.
Among the many kinds of vines used in basketry, Grapevine is especially valued for its exceptional durability. It can be used for many years, and one of its most distinctive qualities is that it gradually develops a rich luster from the natural oils of your hands.
This is a rather unusual shape for a basket made from Grapevine.
Most Grapevine baskets are made as hand baskets. This one, however, is woven in the traditional ajiro-ami technique and finished with a briefcase-like design, with the handles integrated into the body of the basket.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. In contrast, this basket is made from exceptionally fine strips, carefully woven in the ajiro-ami technique to create a refined finish.The rim is finished by wrapping Grapevine tightly around it without any gaps. Many baskets are finished with a rim wrapping technique in which the vine is wound in a single direction. This basket, however, is finished with a kaeshi-makibuchi, in which the vine is first wrapped in one direction, then wrapped again in the opposite direction, overlapping the first layer.The rim is reinforced with a core of bamboo and rattan, providing the handles with both strength and flexibility.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. Their straight shape is neither too thin nor too thick, making them comfortable to hold. Thanks in part to the reinforced core, they feel secure and stable in the hand.It is large enough to hold A4 documents placed horizontally. You can also carry a tablet, a laptop, documents, and writing tools together with ease.This is the underside of the basket. It is also neatly woven in the ajiro-ami technique, with a clean and well-balanced finish.It is also just the right size to rest comfortably on your lap while seated.When the light falls on the basket, its finely woven pattern gently comes into view.When you grip the handles firmly, the opening flexes gently, giving the basket a comfortable feel rather than a rigid one.Because the opening is designed to flex, the top of the basket is slightly open.Its slim profile gives the basket a clean and refined appearance. It also works well beside a sofa or under a desk for everyday storage.Viewed from the side, the basket has a dignified presence.
Whether you take it with you on outings or use it at home as a storage basket, it is a piece meant to be enjoyed in everyday life. Rather than putting it away, keep it where you can see and use it every day. Over time, it will gradually develop a beautiful luster and become even more attractive.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. Its appearance changes with the angle, the light, and the place where it is used. Over time, the natural oils from your hands will gradually become part of the basket, giving it a character that is uniquely yours. We hope you will enjoy watching its appearance change over the years.
Handwoven Grapevine Baskets from Southern Yamagata
Yamagata Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan on the western side of the southern Tohoku region.
Its southern area, however, lies inland, surrounded by mountains rather than the sea. Towns have long been established in the mountain valleys, and in this landscape, where mountains cover most of the land, heavy snowfall in winter gave rise to a tradition of bark and vine craftsmanship as winter work for farming families.
In this region, materials gathered from the mountains—such as walnut bark, Grapevine, Akebi vine, and Matatabi vine— have long been used to make everyday tools and household items. Even today, there are people working to preserve and pass on these valuable skills.
Grapevine has long been valued as a material for basketry. The vines can only be harvested during a very short period in June, when the humidity is high. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and among the many kinds of vines used in basketry— such as Akebi vine and Matatabi vine—it is especially prized for its exceptional durability.
The Grapevine baskets made in this region are woven from vines that have been carefully split and thinned into fine strips, resulting in baskets that are both lightweight and remarkably durable. As they are used day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually enrich the surface with a beautiful luster—a unique quality of Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes with age over the years.
