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 basket is woven in the standard ajiro-ami technique.
Its shape is slightly fuller and more rounded.

Although it is on the smaller side,
it is just the right size for those who prefer to travel light or like to carry a second bag alongside it.

Because each strip is made exceptionally fine and thin, the basket itself does not feel particularly heavy,
even though so many strips are woven together so tightly.
It should still feel light to carry even when filled with your belongings.

Suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
It is a well-balanced size that can be carried comfortably without feeling too formal.

Some expensive bags are treasured so carefully that they end up being used only rarely.
We hope this is a basket you will find yourself reaching for in all kinds of everyday situations.

Whether you take it with you on outings or use it at home as a storage basket, it fits naturally into everyday life.
You can also place a vase inside and enjoy displaying fresh flowers.

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 beautiful.

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 its character and appearance gradually change over time.

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.