This is a handwoven tote basket made from Akebi vine.

The bark that naturally covers the surface of the vine is left intact, giving the basket a warm and rustic character.
Its charm lies in the unrefined, organic beauty of the material just as it is found in nature.

In Nagano, there are also baskets made from gray Akebi vine, known as Muki Akebi,
in which the bark is removed before weaving.

On this page, we introduce our premium Akebi vine tote basket in three sizes:
Small, Medium, and Large.

Also available in an extra small size: Premium Tote Basket XS – Sukashi Weave / Akebi Vine (311216-4)

This basket has a generous, rounded form.
We also offer a separate product called the “Sukashi Weave Tote Basket,”
but this one features a finer and more intricate weave, with extra care given to the details of the rim and handle.

The premium series uses carefully selected Akebi vines of exceptional quality,
and the result is a finish that is visibly refined at a glance.

Pack it with wine, cups, and bread, and take it along for a picnic—
whether at a park, a vacation cabin, your garden, or a sunny terrace.

Even when not in use outdoors, it makes a lovely storage basket at home.
Use it to keep your knitting supplies, as a bread basket, or simply enjoy it as part of your daily space.

There’s something truly special about this softly rounded form.
While structured baskets made with molds have their own charm,
this one offers a gentle, enveloping feel that makes it exceptional.

Its soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet sense of character.
You could look at it endlessly and still find peace and warmth in its presence.

With its impressively solid construction,
this basket offers lasting stability—one that may stay by your side for decades to come.

Please choose the size that suits you best.

_Akebi Vine Basketry from Northern Nagano_

In Nagano, since the early Edo period, people have crafted baskets, toys, and other daily tools
as winter work during the region’s long, snow-filled months.

There are two types of Akebi vine used in basketry:
one with its natural bark intact—a warm brown color—
and another called Muki Akebi, a grayish vine that has been peeled after fermentation.

While Akebi vine craft is also found in parts of Tohoku such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata,
Muki Akebi basketry is a tradition that continues only in this region.

Before weaving begins, the vines are soaked in hot spring water for about a week,
then fermented in river water for around a month before the bark is carefully removed.

It is said that in the past, all Akebi baskets in northern Nagano were made exclusively from Muki Akebi.

This material requires great time and effort before it can even be woven,
but the baskets that emerge from it carry a quiet depth—something only this land can produce.

Both Akebi and Muki Akebi vines are carefully selected for quality,
and skilled hands continue to craft them into a wide variety of beautiful forms.

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.