Entirely made of wild akebia vine (Akebia Quinata, also known as chocolate vine), this basket is lightweight yet very strong. Its minimum design features a slim oval shape with an elegantly arched single handle. Stunningly handwoven one by one by the few artisans left today using high quality Aomori akebi with traditional tie and knot techniques in Aomori prefecture.

Akebia vine is a wild plant native to the Tohoku (North) region of Japan, that produces small clusters of flowers during spring, and bearing fruit in autumn. Before the vines are processed, they must be dried for at least a year and the amount of akebi vines harvested is decreasing year by year making them very valuable. The basket artisans use only the local akebia vines. Fresh wild vines are collected from summer to autumn, left to dry completely up to two years, and then being soaked in water for a day or two just before craftsmen start knitting. The finished material is known for its extreme hardness and durability making it an excellent basket. It is extremely hard work and a lot of time and human hands are spent from collecting vines to completing each basket. When you actually pick up a well-made Akebi basket, you can feel the high skill of the craftsmen in your hand.

Because of its strength and durability, the basket can be used for a variety of purposes. This oval size is ideal for everyday, taking your office items such as a 12″ laptop, magazines, notebooks, files, etc. Even a wine bottle fits in it easily, why not take with you to a picnic? At home, it can be a rustic storage solution such as a magazine or newspaper rack. Also beautiful to arrange fresh or dried flowers with it in your home. 

Akebi basket becomes glossier over time and use, creating rich patina as the years go by. If you use it carefully, it will last a life time.

Due to the nature of the material, you may notice uneven colour, cracks or thorns. This is not a defect.