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Historical background
Historical background
“Akebi tsuru zaiku” or Akebia Vine craft was originally developed when people started to make charcoal baskets and swagger baskets from locally harvested akebi-vine in the Edo period (1603-1867). It is one of the famous specialty goods in Aomori, which is in the very northern part of Japan. Local people made these baskets as souvenirs. Since the Meiji period (1867-1911), the domestic and international exhibitions made akebi tsuru zaiku popular, leading it to spread all over the world. In Akita prefecture, Akebi craftsmen are found mainly in Yokote city and Misato town in Senboku-gun.
Characteristics
Characteristics
The material is wild Akebi vines, and it is said that the vine lasts for more than 20 years. Akebi vines are collected in spring and fall around Ou mountains.
The width of the vine is 3-5 milimeter and the length is around 3 meter. Vines are bundled and dried, and the craft is produced after vines have color and is bendable.
Botanical insight
Akebia Quinata is a climbing vine native to Korea, China and Japan. The Akebi fruit from this vine, more commonly known as ‘chocolate vine’, can be described as such:
“The flavor can be described as similar to a squishy-textured lychee with very mild notes of melon, pear, and coconut. Seeds of akebi must not be chewed as they're much bitter than the fruit itself.”
The plant can reach a maximum length of 40 feet. While it enjoys full sun, it can tolerate deep shade and is relatively easy to grow in regular, well-drained soil. This plant is ideal for basket weaving since it can withstand erosion, rainy spots, droughts, deer nibbling, and intense shadow.
Although they are a plant native to East-Asia, basket weaving has been one of the world’s widest spread traditions since ancient times - “...8,000-6,000 BCE – pre-dating pottery or stone carving.”. The Akebi vine can also be seen used frequently by professional craftsmen and hobbyists in the west as a material for baskets due to its sturdy nature.
To know more!
To know more!
Interview toward the craftsman Shinichi Nakagawara and the video of his Akebi vine craft creation (Japanese only)
Where to see
Where to see
Akita Furusato Mura
1h by car from Akita station
Take an Ou line train at Akita station to Yokote station for 1 hour 15 minutes. Walk for 5 minutes and take a Yokote-Honjo line bus from Yokote bus terminal to Nizaka for 10 minutes. Walk for 18 minutes.
Michi no Eki Misato
1h by car from Akita station
Take an Ou line train at Akita station to Omagari station for 50 minutes. Walk for 4 minutes and take a Yokote-Omagari line bus from Hanabidori to Aramachi for 30 minutes. Walk for 10 minutes.
Misato-ya
1h by car from Akita station
Take an Ou line train at Akita station to Omagari station for 50 minutes. Walk for 4 minutes and take a Yokote-Omagari line bus from Hanabidori to Rokugo Kamimachi for 20 minutes. Walk for 6 minutes.
Photos by Tohoku Digital Archive
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