Antique Woven Akebi Vine Basket
£350.00
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Antique Woven Akebi Vine Basket
£350.00
A beautifully weathered handwoven basket made from wild Akebi/Akebia vine woven into a fluid, soft-bodied form that yields gently to the touch. Dating to the Taisho to early Showa era (circa 1920s–1950s), this particularly singular piece departs from rigid frame basketry, existing instead as a quiet, pliable pocket that shifts naturally with its contents. Having spent much of its past life suspended as an evocative wall-hanging vessel, it carries an immense sculptural presence, bringing the unhurried spirit of wabi-sabi into the modern space.
Materials
Woven from wild Akebi vine (Akebia quinata) harvested in northern Japan, this basket features a dense, durable weave that naturally hardens over time.
The side panels use traditional Tate-ami vertical weaving, while the base features a sturdy Ajiro-ami checkered twill designed for strength and stability.
Original braided hemp cord handles pass through woven rim loops. The unvarnished fibres have developed a distinctive dark charcoal and umber patina through decades of indoor storage and gentle domestic use.
Dimensions
HEIGHT: 26.5CM
WIDTH: 49.5CM
DEPTH: 20CM
OPENING DIAMETER: 37.5CM X 17CM
WIDTH: 49.5CM
DEPTH: 20CM
OPENING DIAMETER: 37.5CM X 17CM
Condition & Antique Character
As an antique object, this piece has lived a previous life and shows the gentle marks of time and utility. Please note that this vessel has a sturdy, rigid construction and stands independently without internal support or filling. A minor trace of red pigment or wax transfer is present on one of the outer side panels, alongside small, expected signs of age such as light surface wear, natural variations in the vine coloration, and loose hemp cord ends. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.