Keep it long, treasure it long.

A cute basket made by an apple farmer

Akebi baskets are very popular at ZUTTO. In the summer, I feel like I want to enjoy summer events with a dress or yukata. This year, the staff actually visited Miyamoto Kogei in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and was able to introduce the baskets that fell in love at first sight. Due to the small number of producers, we will introduce a small amount, but we have made it easy to use with a bespoke design. With its small size and slightly different atmosphere, this item is also recommended for those who are already using Akebi baskets.

A cute basket made by an apple farmer

The [special order] basket with a roof that we are introducing this time is a basket with a relaxed silhouette and careful handwork. This mini basket with a roof is a special basket made by apple farmers in Aomori only during the off-season.

Originally, this torso was woven with green vines, but this time, we made a special order for the openwork weave to create a cool atmosphere so that it can be used for everyday use. You can show your luggage as it is, or you can enjoy changing the atmosphere by inserting a large drawstring pouch or your favorite scarf.

Also, the handles weren't very suitable for carrying around, so I asked the leather craftsman to create a place for the shoulder strap to pass through at both ends of the basket, and ordered a leather craftsman to make a laced leather strap that wouldn't spoil the atmosphere of the basket. I made a special order in a possible form.

The leather cord is tightly woven, so it does not stretch easily and is stronger than a single piece of leather. The tip has an antique-colored metal fitting that can be attached and removed. (Frequent attachment and detachment will damage the vines, so be careful not to damage the vines by opening the metal fittings as much as possible when attaching or detaching them.)

Akebi's basket bag has a deep color, so it goes well with autumn and winter outfits, and has a gentle atmosphere where you can feel the warmth of the material. The more you use it, the deeper the color and the more lustrous the Akebi basket will become.

A lifelong bag born from everyday tools

"Baskets" were originally created as "tools for daily life" such as storage and storage of agricultural tools. A firm weave and durability that does not lose its shape were essential elements. Time has passed, and even now basket bags are loved by women as a fashion item, but craftsmen have inherited the former "hardness to break" and "durability".

Miyamoto Kogei's Akebi baskets are made entirely by hand without relying on machines. Due to changes in the natural system, the amount of akebi vines that can be harvested has decreased year by year, and it is said that they have become a very valuable material. As the materials are precious, the number of baskets that can be made is decreasing year by year, and there is also a shortage of craftsmen with advanced skills. Akebi's baskets, which are carefully crafted with skillful handwork and time, are gems that are packed with the craftsman's thoughts. A basket bag that you want to use for a long time should always be by your side, and it should be something you want to spend together from now on.