{"product_id":"311239","title":"Flower Basket – Sukashi Weave \/ Akebi Vine \/ Nagano-JPN 311239","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13977\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a flower basket handwoven from Akebi vine.\u003cbr\u003eIn Nagano, some baskets are made with Muki Akebi—a gray vine with its outer bark removed.\u003cbr\u003eBut this one is crafted using vines with their natural brown bark, just as they appear in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis page features two sizes: Small and Large.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_1876.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33813\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\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\/210702_27-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_27-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14003\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eBoth share nearly the same construction.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_35.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_35.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13978\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt is woven using the Sukashi-ami, a traditional open-weave technique often used in Akebi crafts. In regions like Aomori, this technique is also known as Kodashi-ami.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_36.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_36.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13979\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt’s a signature method in Akebi weaving, made possible by the vine’s unique combination of flexibility and resilience. The open weave is so airy that you can see right through 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\/210702_31.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_31.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13980\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim is reinforced with thick Akebi vine, split lengthwise and applied tightly with no gaps.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_32.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_32.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13981\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eSeen from above, you can see how the rim is wrapped cleanly from both sides.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_38.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_38.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13986\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe front of the basket is lower, while the back is taller—and at the top of the back is a woven hanging loop.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_33.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_33.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13982\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis loop is also made from Akebi vine, using a finer strand and measuring about 2 cm wide.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_34.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_34.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13983\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt is securely attached to the rim.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_39.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_39.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13984\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe base of the basket is made using Nami-ami, a tight weave with little spacing.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_37.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_37.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13985\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe base is tightly woven, so nothing placed inside will slip through.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_42.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_42.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13990\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIn some places, you may notice outer bark peeling\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_41.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_41.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13987\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eor small chips in the vine. These are natural characteristics of the material and do not affect use—they are not considered defects.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_29.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_29.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13992\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the Small size.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_1000.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_1000.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13991\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the slimmer of the two and does not fit postcards.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_0027-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_0027-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29552\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_0049-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33814\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt works well as a remote control holder. Hang it on the wall and it keeps things tidy—plus, you’ll always know where they are at a glance.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_28.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_28.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13993\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the Large size.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_30.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210702_30.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13994\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis one has a fuller, more rounded form, and it fits postcards perfectly.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_0026-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_0026-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29551\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_1876-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33815\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eOf course, it can be used for storing letters, but it also makes a lovely wall-mounted flower holder. Place a small glass vase with water inside and add a few wildflowers to brighten up the space.\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=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_1879.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33816\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eLarge size\u003c\/figcaption\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.\u003cbr\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=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_1870.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33817\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts muted colors also help highlight the seasonal beauty of any flowers you display.\u003cbr\u003eYou can hang it on the wall, or simply place it on a shelf—\u003cbr\u003esince it stands on its own, both are beautiful options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Large size also works well as a postcard holder.\u003cbr\u003eEither size can serve in many ways—perhaps for stationery, writing tools, or however you see fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_1869.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33818\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease choose the size that suits you best.\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\/210702_23.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13997\"\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":"Small","offer_id":43510454124693,"sku":"311239-1","price":5830.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":43510454157461,"sku":"311239-2","price":8140.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/DSC_1879.jpg?v=1741836221","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/311239","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}