{"product_id":"311219-1","title":"Tote Basket “Plump” \/ Akebi vine \/ Nagano-JPN 311219-1","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43922\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbag is woven from Akebi vine, a climbing plant native to Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/77c1d5af63430a2b04c410a990453ddc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43935\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Akebi vine is used with the outer bark still in place, just as it grew in the wild.\u003cbr\u003eIts natural, rustic texture brings a soft and honest warmth that reflects the spirit of the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Nagano, there are also baskets made from gray Akebi vine,\u003cbr\u003eknown as Muki Akebi, in which the bark is removed before weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e41e43b3a9f4a38262afa3ebbb8107ef.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/e41e43b3a9f4a38262afa3ebbb8107ef.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7430\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe basket has a gentle roundness near the bottom, giving it a softly curved silhouette. It is made using a technique known as \u003cem\u003enami-ami\u003c\/em\u003e, a type of close weave characterized by tightly packed strips of Akebi vine.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c3e1f6a5a86a9d1cee227402521796da.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c3e1f6a5a86a9d1cee227402521796da.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7431\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAlongside \u003cem\u003esukashi-ami\u003c\/em\u003e (an openwork weave), this technique is considered one of the standard weaving styles in this region.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/b608193783ff8b488ff5b118f379af5f.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/b608193783ff8b488ff5b118f379af5f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7432\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe Akebi vine retains its natural texture, offering a quiet sense of character and charm.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/49eef378c3f223739e2a41c8830d2a7f.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/49eef378c3f223739e2a41c8830d2a7f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7433\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim is simply and neatly finished, giving the basket a well-balanced and refined look.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/9dfd1a424053f73c0600c2a1099a3ca8.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/9dfd1a424053f73c0600c2a1099a3ca8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7434\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eSeen from above, the rim reveals a double-layered structure, showing that it has been firmly and carefully bound.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c62d8b9bf99552b65c36a065b52fc6fa.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c62d8b9bf99552b65c36a065b52fc6fa.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7435\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWhere the rim meets the handle, two rings are linked like a small chain. This design allows the handle to open wide or fold down easily.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/5e7aa55e2723270e93b368ca3336f54f.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/5e7aa55e2723270e93b368ca3336f54f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7436\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe connection between the handle and the rim is often the part that may need repair over time. But with this ring-style design, the handle can move more freely, putting less strain on the rim and joints—making it more durable.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/669ea5f88a88cea4f0ebd82e9a3c8753.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/669ea5f88a88cea4f0ebd82e9a3c8753.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7437\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle is built around a core of Akebi vine, wrapped carefully with more vine to form a smooth grip.Its thickness feels just right in the hand—not too much, not too little. The shape and scale are in quiet harmony with the basket itself, almost like a golden ratio.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/fbc0220a9cb0c7b21ade8328e9db0226.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/fbc0220a9cb0c7b21ade8328e9db0226.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7439\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle can open outward to about this width, and it can also fold inward to rest neatly against the basket.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/4424cd0132fd878d9868a37bb891c0d1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/4424cd0132fd878d9868a37bb891c0d1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7440\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe base of the basket is also tightly woven, giving it a solid and reliable construction.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43923\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThere’s plenty of room for your essentials—like a long wallet, phone, keys, and a small pouch.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43925\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt’s just the right size for days when you want to travel light.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43931\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvested from the mountains, the Akebi vine preserves its untouched natural texture.\u003cbr\u003eIts quiet gradation of hues and subdued tones bring a lasting sense of calm and stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311219-1_-7-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43932\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its softly rounded form, this little basket has a unique charm.\u003cbr\u003eCompact in size, yet it quietly stands out—impossible to overlook once you’ve seen it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/a0d056c20a52d6127b39d63a681aa7f8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7443\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket’s shape is the same as that of a bag long used and loved by the artisan’s wife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s the kind of piece that will stay by your side for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/2a57ae6ab621189f840c88a3730d3a41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7444\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_Akebi Vine Basketry from Northern Nagano_\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Nagano, since the early Edo period, people have crafted baskets, toys, and other daily tools\u003cbr\u003eas winter work during the region’s long, snow-filled months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two types of Akebi vine used in basketry:\u003cbr\u003eone with its natural bark intact—a warm brown color—\u003cbr\u003eand another called \u003cem\u003eMuki Akebi\u003c\/em\u003e, a grayish vine that has been peeled after fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Akebi vine craft is also found in parts of Tohoku such as Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMuki Akebi\u003c\/em\u003e basketry is a tradition that continues only in this region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore weaving begins, the vines are soaked in hot spring water for about a week,\u003cbr\u003ethen fermented in river water for around a month before the bark is carefully removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is said that in the past, all Akebi baskets in northern Nagano were made exclusively from \u003cem\u003eMuki Akebi\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis material requires great time and effort before it can even be woven,\u003cbr\u003ebut the baskets that emerge from it carry a quiet depth—something only this land can produce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth Akebi and Muki Akebi vines are carefully selected for quality,\u003cbr\u003eand skilled hands continue to craft them into a wide variety of beautiful forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis item ships from Japan.\u003cbr\u003eAs the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.\u003cbr\u003eThese costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.\u003cbr\u003ePlease check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"1basketry","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45304259739797,"sku":"311219-1","price":27500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime311219-1_-3.jpg?v=1741835246","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/311219-1","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}