This is a short strap for a smartphone, made from Akebi vine, walnut bark, and Grapevine.

Based on the color of the leather, the three variations shown from left to right are “Brown,” “Dark Brown,” and “Black.”

The maker is Kaoru Saito, who has been working with vine and bark crafts in Yamagata for many years.
This piece reflects her practice of gathering materials such as Akebi, walnut, and Grapevine herself.

In the photo above, Akebi, walnut, and Grapevine are arranged from left to right.

This is a sphere made from Akebi vine.

This particular vine is known as “Hime-zuru,” a rare type of Akebi vine that can only be gathered under specific terrain and climatic conditions.

Compared to the Akebi vines used for basket making, it has a smoother, more refined feel.

This is walnut bark.

Walnut shows different tones between the pale brown outer bark and the deep brown inner bark.
This weaving method, devised by Kaoru, is designed to reveal both sides, allowing you to enjoy the contrast in color and texture.

This is Grapevine.

After the vine is carefully thinned, it is braided and then woven to form a sphere.
This is also a style that Kaoru has continued to develop over many years, with beauty carried through to the smallest details.

This combination—Akebi “Hime-zuru,” walnut bark,
and the spherical woven pattern made from finely braided Grapevine—
is an original creation developed by Kaoru through many years of experience and exploration, and is not found elsewhere.

Kaoru holds this combination of Hime-zuru, walnut bark, and Grapevine in high regard.

In modern life, a smartphone is something we carry with us every day.

By attaching this strap to such an essential item, you can enjoy three kinds of mountain materials—
Akebi, walnut, and Grapevine—as part of your daily life.

With regular handling, each material gradually develops a gentle sheen and a softer, more mellow texture.

As shown in the photo above, the hardware uses a hook-style fitting.
The hardware comes in three colors—silver, gold, and antique gold—and is attached at random.

You may choose the leather color, but the hardware color cannot be specified.

Please note that returns or exchanges based on the hardware color cannot be accepted.

When each of these materials is made into a basket bag, the result can be quite valuable.
With this short strap, Kaoru hopes to offer a way to experience these materials more casually,
and to enjoy incorporating them into daily life with a sense of style, regardless of age.

We would be glad if it could become a small companion in your everyday life.

Please choose the type that suits you best.

Forms that captivate, born from the rich materials of Yamagata

Using a variety of mountain materials—Grapevine, walnut, Akebi, and Matatabi—
Kaoru Saito creates a succession of unique forms rarely seen elsewhere, as well as refined basketry that quietly draws the eye.

For many years, she has gone into the mountains herself to gather materials,
carrying out every step of the process from the very beginning.

In fact, Kaoru is also a highly skilled maker capable of producing finely woven Grapevine tote baskets of exceptional quality.
The accessories and ornaments she creates from multiple materials all carry a sense of considered beauty,
while also reflecting playfulness and thoughtful attention to the user.

She has a deep understanding of each material, and is also a user herself, incorporating baskets, accessories,
and small objects into her daily life.

Listening closely to the voices of those who use her work,
she continues to explore how pieces can be made more comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable to use.