Akebi Thin Basket Bag - Hora-weave

The Art of Hand-weaving: MIYAMOTO KOGEI, Hirosaki, Aomori

Founded in 1949, MIYAMOTO KOGEI is a traditional craft workshop nestled in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. They work with akebi vine, a material celebrated for being both remarkably supple and exceptionally durable.
While it begins as a light, natural brown, the vine gradually deepens into a rich, lustrous amber as it breathes and absorbs the oils from your hands over time. Resilient, water-resistant, and retaining its shape perfectly, this material truly embodies the concept of a "growing tool"—an object that matures alongside its owner.

At MIYAMOTO KOGEI, a single artisan handles every step of the process, from sorting the raw materials to the final weaving.
This creates a distinct character and strength that mass production could never replicate.

Even with the same weaving pattern, every basket is a one-of-a-kind piece, shaped by the unique personality of each vine and the subtle touch of the artisan’s hands.
The more you use it, the more these nuances become a flavor that is uniquely yours.

I felt a deep sense of affection and a special connection to this work—a completion and warmth that can only be born from the dedicated "solitary work" of a true master.

Thin-style Hora-weave Basket with Bow Handle

An akebi basket that grows more lustrous with every use, maturing into a deep, beautiful amber.
It is a special presence that allows you to layer the passage of time onto the natural texture of the material.

The "Thin-style Hora-weave" features a silhouette as elegant as a fine handbag.
Its clean, horizontal profile fits comfortably under the arm or over the shoulder, and its charming design makes it easy to slide your wallet or pouch in and out effortlessly.

The name comes from "Hora-ami" (Hora-weave), a traditional technique that produces a uniform and beautiful pattern.
By weaving with two strands of vine together, this piece achieves a dignified presence that balances both strength and flexibility.

The handles are crafted in a gentle curve, like a bow, designed to nestle softly in your hand.
It dissolves naturally into your daily wardrobe, possessing a light elegance that complements both traditional Japanese attire and modern Western styles.

As you use it, the color and sheen will deepen, evolving into a texture that is uniquely yours.
It is a piece that stays quietly by your side, becoming a lifelong companion in your daily journey.