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.

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.

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.