Leather details for easier everyday use — ZUTTO's special-order akebi baskets

Simply adding a basket bag to your usual outfit
can completely change the impression it gives.
Compared to other bags, a basket bag carries a little something special.
This time, we're introducing a limited-edition piece made even more fashionable and easier to use —
an akebi (chocolate vine) basket from Miyamoto Kogei, a maker ZUTTO has carried for many years.

Akebi is a type of vine plant that grows by climbing other trees for support,
stretching its stems upward toward the light.
Its purple fruit is sold for eating, while its vines are used for basket weaving.

Did you know that akebi baskets take a long time to make?
Each year, the vines are harvested in autumn, then dried for six months to a year.
This is because the core of the vine needs to dry all the way through.
One to three days before weaving actually begins, the vines are soaked in water,
and once softened, the nodes are removed and the weaving begins.

Akebi baskets have a springy, resilient quality, and among baskets in general,
I think they're relatively easy to hold.
As you use one, it gradually develops a natural sheen,
giving you the pleasure of "raising" it over many years.
The material itself is sturdy, with the advantage that it can be repaired
and kept in use, meaning it can be enjoyed across generations.
Isn't it wonderful to think that a basket you once used might be used again
by your children or grandchildren in the next generation?

A now-rare material, and the craftsmanship that keeps it alive

Compared to 20 years ago, the harvest yield has dropped
to around 10%, apparently.
There seem to be various factors at play, such as the declining number of people
working in forestry and the effects of climate change, but it does seem true
that the raw material for weaving akebi baskets has become scarce.

And it's not just the material — the declining number of skilled weavers is also a problem.

There were once regions where basket weaving was almost universally practiced by farmers
as winter work, but now only a handful of people still do it.
Since this isn't a job divided among specialists by process, but rather one where
a single craftsperson handles everything from start to finish, the delicate techniques
are being passed down from craftsperson to craftsperson.
With complex weaving patterns and techniques, the number of people who can weave them is naturally limited.
Even knowing the method doesn't mean you can replicate it in the same way,
so everyone involved seems to struggle with passing on the skills.

It seemed the craftspeople themselves were making efforts
to ensure that akebi baskets don't become impossible to make,
and that the technique doesn't disappear entirely.

Hearing stories like this makes us feel we must use these baskets
with real care.
We'll introduce ZUTTO's special-order piece, made this time, with that same care.

This time there are two special-order items.
A charming round basket, and an easy-to-use rectangular type.
What they have in common is that black leather
has been wrapped around the handles.

Holding a basket's handle for a long time can sometimes leave marks
from the vine on your hand, so we wrapped the handles in leather
out of a wish for a more comfortable carrying experience.
Whether gripped firmly in your hand or carried over your arm,
it's designed to be less likely to hurt.

Since a soft leather is used, the intention is also that it will become
increasingly comfortable to hold the more you use it.

This "Round Basket with Leather Inner Bag" is
a further customization of the round basket that was originally
a ZUTTO special order item.

This akebi basket has a wide, round opening,
which means the contents inside can be seen.
While this does have the advantage of making things easier to take out,
some people may find this bothersome.
Putting an azuma bag inside, or draping a handkerchief over the top
to hide the contents, are of course fine options, but
we made a drawstring inner bag out of the same black leather used for the handles.

When the drawstring bag's cinched opening peeks out from the basket,
it gives a sharp, crisp impression alongside the basket's cuteness.
So that the leather drawstring bag could also be used entirely on its own,
we added a lining to give it a sturdier construction.
You don't even need to cinch the drawstring bag's opening tightly —
simply tucking it into the basket in a loose, casual way
achieves both privacy and easy access.

You can also use the inner bag on its own.

It can hold a small wallet, mobile phone, keys, a handkerchief,
and lip balm, among other things.
If you don't use the leather inner bag,
it can also fit a 350ml plastic bottle or a paperback book.

The rectangular akebi basket is designed with usability as the top priority.
The basket measures 30cm wide by 20cm high, with a generously sized 15cm gusset,
giving it a size that can hold everything you need for going out.

Also, the contents of basket bags tend to get jumbled together.
To solve the frustration of not being able to quickly find what you need,
we added a removable leather pocket.

Decide what to prioritize putting in it — your mobile phone, pass case,
keys, lip balm, and so on.

This akebi basket has enough capacity to hold a long wallet, a paperback book, keys,
one 500ml plastic bottle, and a mini pouch.
Since packing it too full won't look elegant,
please try to keep your belongings to the essential minimum.

Necklace: Sphere silk SPS003 ／ Sabo Sandals: Ingrid, Black Oiled

Tops: Waffle Half-Sleeve Cut-and-Sew ／ Hat: Slouch Torilby (Panama Hat) ／
Sneakers: WALSH Sneakers LA84/BLK

Top: Border Cut-and-Sew with Tucks ／ Pants: [Special Order] Oise Linen Pants, 8-Length, Natural (coming soon)／
Sandals: Leather Strap Sandals, Bordeaux

Akebi, the material used, is naturally durable,
and combined with the skilled craftsmanship of experienced artisans, these akebi baskets can be cherished for years to come.
Akebi work has become rare due to a shortage of both raw material and skilled weavers,
but it was originally created and developed as a tool for everyday life.
Rather than putting it away, using it and handling it daily is the best form of care.

For daily care
After use, follow the weave pattern and use a dry scrub brush or brush to
remove dust.

Moisture is the enemy
Like leather goods, baskets dislike moisture.
Rather than putting it away when not in use, it's best to keep
"using" it—for example, by displaying dried flowers in it
or using it for storage purposes.
If you must store it, please keep it in something breathable,
such as a paper bag.

Do not apply oil
There seem to be various opinions on how to bring out the shine of basket bags,
but according to the artisans at Miyamoto Kogei, the beautiful sheen that develops
from the natural oils of your hands as you use the basket—without applying any oil—is what looks best.
(Applying oil will cause it to darken.)
Also, brushing with a dry scrub brush will bring up a slight shine.

For stubborn stains
For stubborn stains, wash with water.
Scrub firmly with a scrub brush, without using detergent.
When drying, always dry in the shade and make sure it is thoroughly dry.
We recommend washing in the morning on a sunny day.

If a stem breaks
With use, stems may sometimes break or bend.
If this happens, push the stem back inside or cut it with scissors.
Since the stems are dry, they won't fray or unravel.
Also, Miyamoto Kogei accepts repairs, so you can use it with peace of mind.

▼[Special Order] Akebi Basket (Round Basket, with Leather Inner Bag)