{"product_id":"311223-1","title":"Tote Basket – Tobi Weave \/ Akebi Vine \/ Nagano-JPN 311223-1","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311223-1_-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43855\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a tote basket handwoven from Akebi vine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/5ffe573a011421ec3bc66dfaf6c16711.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7470\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bark that naturally covers the surface of the vine is left intact, giving the basket a warm and rustic character.\u003cbr\u003eIts charm lies in the unrefined, organic beauty of the material just as it is found in nature.\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\/cd3df1abc812a51f0d50043e13f59416.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/cd3df1abc812a51f0d50043e13f59416.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7471\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis basket is woven in a technique called Tobi-ami, a relatively rare method among Akebi baskets from this maker.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ba04430bda7b488f282ec149b6167e52.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ba04430bda7b488f282ec149b6167e52.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7472\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt uses thick Akebi vines that have been split in half. Across the vertical ribs that form the basket’s framework, the vines are woven horizontally in a braid-like pattern.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/6789deac42e3e918ca7a26185fce8766.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/6789deac42e3e918ca7a26185fce8766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7473\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe resulting pattern is full of flowing curves—a signature of supple, slender Akebi vines. With its tightly woven surface, you can enjoy the natural, wave-like patterns created by the material itself.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/afa8c7f27a52207205451e4e6ff7db9d.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/afa8c7f27a52207205451e4e6ff7db9d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7474\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim is also finished in a braided style, like a decorative plait. Beneath the rim, two lines of stitching add a subtle touch of elegance.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/3141e436e830c93ac855224d1576239e.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/3141e436e830c93ac855224d1576239e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7475\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eSeen from above, the rim appears to be triple-layered, giving it a sense of solid construction.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/20205035b388049cf51ed99336b2c00d.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/20205035b388049cf51ed99336b2c00d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7476\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAt the connection point between the rim and the handle, two vine rings are linked together like a chain. This allows the handles 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\/55105aa380e88192c00aa0b6ac33f23e.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/55105aa380e88192c00aa0b6ac33f23e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7477\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eOver time, the joint between the rim and handle is the part most likely to need repair. This ring-style connection lets the handle move more freely, placing less stress on the rim and joints—helping the basket last longer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/d7b73828abf5f3fdc3841f4ccdaf06f7.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/d7b73828abf5f3fdc3841f4ccdaf06f7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7478\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle is made by wrapping Akebi vine around an Akebi vine core. It is not too thin, not too thick—just the right thickness for a comfortable grip.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c6816b912810d6c954a2b70bc56c18bb.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c6816b912810d6c954a2b70bc56c18bb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7479\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle can open widely outward and also fold inward neatly when set down. Inside the basket, you can see the exposed fiber texture of the split vines.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c344d73d0d7df50dcf70734a3d2cd059.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/c344d73d0d7df50dcf70734a3d2cd059.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7480\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe base is also woven in a tight, structured pattern, providing solid strength.\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\/ime311223-1_-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43859\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAlthough it is densely woven with generous use of vine strips, the vines have been split in half, making the basket feel lighter than it looks—easy to carry.\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\/ime311223-1_-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43860\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAn A4 file fits sideways, though it slightly extends beyond the rim.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\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\/ime311223-1_-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43861\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Akebi vines retain their natural texture and coloring,\u003cbr\u003ejust as they were harvested wild from the mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311223-1_-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43862\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts soft gradation of earthy tones and calm coloring give the basket a quiet sense of character.\u003cbr\u003eYou could look at it endlessly and still find peace and warmth in its presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime311223-1_-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43863\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its clean, well-balanced form, this is a horizontally shaped tote basket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerfect not only for daily outings, but also for work commutes,\u003cbr\u003eor as a companion for visiting the cinema or an art museum.\u003cbr\u003eIt’s a piece you’ll likely carry for years, quietly supporting daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/000eeb93d9735e7c23da12c99cca701f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7485\"\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":45304259772565,"sku":"311223-1","price":44000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime311223-1_-4.jpg?v=1741835243","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/311223-1","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}