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 fuller, more rounded form.

It is also a relatively large basket by Grapevine standards.
Measuring approximately 45 cm (17.72″) across the opening, a Grapevine basket bag of this size is quite rare.

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.

Although it is unusually large for a Grapevine basket, each detail has been carefully finished,
giving it a calm and refined appearance.

It is also large enough to hold everything you need for an overnight trip.

Carry everything you need for work in this basket and take it wherever you go.

It is spacious enough to serve well as an everyday shopping basket.
It can also be used as a basket to take with you when you go out or as a storage basket at home.

Rather than putting it away, keep it where you can always see it and use it every day.
Over time, it will develop a beautiful luster, becoming even more beautiful with age.

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.

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.