This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in Fukushima Prefecture.
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 basket is woven in the standard ajiro-ami technique. Among the different shapes, this one has a more structured form.
It is large enough to hold A4-size documents comfortably in a horizontal position, which is why we named it the “A4 Tote.”
This basket is made by a craftsperson who has been weaving Grapevine baskets in Oku-Aizu for more than 20 years.
Because every Grapevine vine is different, each one is carefully assessed before being prepared into strips best suited to its individual characteristics. Creating a large basket like this with such neat, precise weaving requires a high level of skill and many years of experience.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. This basket, however, takes a different approach, using finely prepared strips and carefully weaving them in the ajiro-ami technique.Although the strips appear to be remarkably even in width and quality, the subtle variations in texture and the natural differences in color create a warmth and character that are uniquely its own.The rim is wrapped with Grapevine so tightly that there are no gaps, with each vine overlapping the next. The connection between the basket and the handles is firmly secured with three wide Grapevine vines, resulting in a simple yet sturdy construction.Viewed from above, the rim is woven inward from both sides, creating a remarkably smooth finish.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. They are neither too thin nor too thick, making them a comfortable size that fits naturally in the hand.The inside of the basket is lined with fabric. It also has a pocket, which is useful for keeping smaller items neatly organized.It is spacious enough to comfortably hold a long wallet, a key case, a mobile phone, a small pouch, a handkerchief, and a 500 ml water bottle. There is also room for a light jacket or cardigan, as well as a few small purchases.The basket has a crisp, well-defined silhouette, enhanced by its finely woven pattern.One side of the fabric lining is made longer, allowing it to fold over the opening and cover the contents. This helps keep the contents out of sight, giving you added peace of mind when you are out and about.Even when viewed from the side, the beauty of its precise weaving remains unchanged.
A Grapevine basket bag woven one strip at a time from finely prepared strips with skilled craftsmanship, offering an unpretentious beauty.
Because of its simple weaving pattern, we believe the luster and character that develop with use become even more apparent over time.
Whether you are carrying a tablet, a laptop, documents you would like to read, or a favorite magazine, this basket makes a dependable companion for everyday outings.
The smooth texture makes it easy to carry in spring and summer, while its rich, deep color pairs beautifully with autumn and winter clothing. It is a basket that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. We hope you will enjoy the way it gradually changes over time.
Handwoven Grapevine Basket Bags from Oku-Aizu, Fukushima
Oku-Aizu, nestled among the mountains in western Fukushima Prefecture.
Known as one of Japan’s snowiest regions, Oku-Aizu is covered in deep snow throughout the winter. Life during the long winter has fostered a rich tradition of craftsmanship that continues to this day.
In recent years, this culture has come to be appreciated anew, and efforts involving the wider community to pass on these skills and make them more widely known have also been growing.
Originally, Grapevine baskets were used as tools for mountain work, valued for their durability. They were used to carry harvested crops and to hold tools such as knives and whetstones.
Grapevine can only be harvested in limited areas deep in the mountains, and only for about two weeks during the humid season in June. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and baskets woven from vines harvested during this brief period are said to last for 50 or even 100 years.
The Grapevine basket bags made in this region are carefully woven one by one, preserving the vine’s natural character and thickness.
As you continue to use it day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually become part of the basket, bringing out the beautiful luster that is unique to Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes over time.
This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in Fukushima Prefecture.
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 basket is woven in the standard ajiro-ami technique. Among the different shapes, this one has a more structured form.
It is large enough to hold A4-size documents comfortably in a horizontal position, which is why we named it the “A4 Tote.”
This basket is made by a craftsperson who has been weaving Grapevine baskets in Oku-Aizu for more than 20 years.
Because every Grapevine vine is different, each one is carefully assessed before being prepared into strips best suited to its individual characteristics. Creating a large basket like this with such neat, precise weaving requires a high level of skill and many years of experience.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. This basket, however, takes a different approach, using finely prepared strips and carefully weaving them in the ajiro-ami technique.Although the strips appear to be remarkably even in width and quality, the subtle variations in texture and the natural differences in color create a warmth and character that are uniquely its own.The rim is wrapped with Grapevine so tightly that there are no gaps, with each vine overlapping the next. The connection between the basket and the handles is firmly secured with three wide Grapevine vines, resulting in a simple yet sturdy construction.Viewed from above, the rim is woven inward from both sides, creating a remarkably smooth finish.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. They are neither too thin nor too thick, making them a comfortable size that fits naturally in the hand.The inside of the basket is lined with fabric. It also has a pocket, which is useful for keeping smaller items neatly organized.It is spacious enough to comfortably hold a long wallet, a key case, a mobile phone, a small pouch, a handkerchief, and a 500 ml water bottle. There is also room for a light jacket or cardigan, as well as a few small purchases.The basket has a crisp, well-defined silhouette, enhanced by its finely woven pattern.One side of the fabric lining is made longer, allowing it to fold over the opening and cover the contents. This helps keep the contents out of sight, giving you added peace of mind when you are out and about.Even when viewed from the side, the beauty of its precise weaving remains unchanged.
A Grapevine basket bag woven one strip at a time from finely prepared strips with skilled craftsmanship, offering an unpretentious beauty.
Because of its simple weaving pattern, we believe the luster and character that develop with use become even more apparent over time.
Whether you are carrying a tablet, a laptop, documents you would like to read, or a favorite magazine, this basket makes a dependable companion for everyday outings.
The smooth texture makes it easy to carry in spring and summer, while its rich, deep color pairs beautifully with autumn and winter clothing. It is a basket that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. We hope you will enjoy the way it gradually changes over time.
Handwoven Grapevine Basket Bags from Oku-Aizu, Fukushima
Oku-Aizu, nestled among the mountains in western Fukushima Prefecture.
Known as one of Japan’s snowiest regions, Oku-Aizu is covered in deep snow throughout the winter. Life during the long winter has fostered a rich tradition of craftsmanship that continues to this day.
In recent years, this culture has come to be appreciated anew, and efforts involving the wider community to pass on these skills and make them more widely known have also been growing.
Originally, Grapevine baskets were used as tools for mountain work, valued for their durability. They were used to carry harvested crops and to hold tools such as knives and whetstones.
Grapevine can only be harvested in limited areas deep in the mountains, and only for about two weeks during the humid season in June. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and baskets woven from vines harvested during this brief period are said to last for 50 or even 100 years.
The Grapevine basket bags made in this region are carefully woven one by one, preserving the vine’s natural character and thickness.
As you continue to use it day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually become part of the basket, bringing out the beautiful luster that is unique to Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes over time.
This is a hand basket woven from Grapevine. It is made from Grapevine harvested in Fukushima Prefecture.
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 basket is woven in the standard ajiro-ami technique. Among the different shapes, this one has a more structured form.
It is large enough to hold A4-size documents comfortably in a horizontal position, which is why we named it the “A4 Tote.”
This basket is made by a craftsperson who has been weaving Grapevine baskets in Oku-Aizu for more than 20 years.
Because every Grapevine vine is different, each one is carefully assessed before being prepared into strips best suited to its individual characteristics. Creating a large basket like this with such neat, precise weaving requires a high level of skill and many years of experience.
Some Grapevine baskets are woven from wide, thick strips that retain the vine’s natural curves and texture. This basket, however, takes a different approach, using finely prepared strips and carefully weaving them in the ajiro-ami technique.Although the strips appear to be remarkably even in width and quality, the subtle variations in texture and the natural differences in color create a warmth and character that are uniquely its own.The rim is wrapped with Grapevine so tightly that there are no gaps, with each vine overlapping the next. The connection between the basket and the handles is firmly secured with three wide Grapevine vines, resulting in a simple yet sturdy construction.Viewed from above, the rim is woven inward from both sides, creating a remarkably smooth finish.The handles are also carefully wrapped with Grapevine. They are neither too thin nor too thick, making them a comfortable size that fits naturally in the hand.The inside of the basket is lined with fabric. It also has a pocket, which is useful for keeping smaller items neatly organized.It is spacious enough to comfortably hold a long wallet, a key case, a mobile phone, a small pouch, a handkerchief, and a 500 ml water bottle. There is also room for a light jacket or cardigan, as well as a few small purchases.The basket has a crisp, well-defined silhouette, enhanced by its finely woven pattern.One side of the fabric lining is made longer, allowing it to fold over the opening and cover the contents. This helps keep the contents out of sight, giving you added peace of mind when you are out and about.Even when viewed from the side, the beauty of its precise weaving remains unchanged.
A Grapevine basket bag woven one strip at a time from finely prepared strips with skilled craftsmanship, offering an unpretentious beauty.
Because of its simple weaving pattern, we believe the luster and character that develop with use become even more apparent over time.
Whether you are carrying a tablet, a laptop, documents you would like to read, or a favorite magazine, this basket makes a dependable companion for everyday outings.
The smooth texture makes it easy to carry in spring and summer, while its rich, deep color pairs beautifully with autumn and winter clothing. It is a basket that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
With proper care, it can be used for many years—long enough to be passed on to the next generation. We hope you will enjoy the way it gradually changes over time.
Handwoven Grapevine Basket Bags from Oku-Aizu, Fukushima
Oku-Aizu, nestled among the mountains in western Fukushima Prefecture.
Known as one of Japan’s snowiest regions, Oku-Aizu is covered in deep snow throughout the winter. Life during the long winter has fostered a rich tradition of craftsmanship that continues to this day.
In recent years, this culture has come to be appreciated anew, and efforts involving the wider community to pass on these skills and make them more widely known have also been growing.
Originally, Grapevine baskets were used as tools for mountain work, valued for their durability. They were used to carry harvested crops and to hold tools such as knives and whetstones.
Grapevine can only be harvested in limited areas deep in the mountains, and only for about two weeks during the humid season in June. Its fibers are so strong that they were once used as rope, and baskets woven from vines harvested during this brief period are said to last for 50 or even 100 years.
The Grapevine basket bags made in this region are carefully woven one by one, preserving the vine’s natural character and thickness.
As you continue to use it day after day, the natural oils from your hands gradually become part of the basket, bringing out the beautiful luster that is unique to Grapevine. We hope you will also enjoy the way it changes over time.
