Akebia Crosshatch Basket - Watanabe Moe
Large super light basket made by award winning Japanese artist Watanabe Moe.
Great for towels, linen, vegetables, and more.
Although based on the art of vernacular craft technique, diagonal crosshatch pattern has never been seen among traditional akebia weaving in Japan. Light and airy yet structurally secure, this is an original creation by the artist, approached from a design concept rather than ingenuity in craft. Please read the artist's profile for more.
The process: inspired by Japanese paper yarn knot, the artist created Akebia mats with her original knotting patterns. She applied the same patterns to baskets, but warped them into shape, exploring transformation from 2- to 3-dimensional design.
Akebia quinata - also called Chocolate Vine - is a semi-evergreen climbing shrub native to East Asia. It has been used for weaving various household ware in the similar way to willow in Europe, except Akebia is twining and much thinner.
The material used is sustainably and responsibly foraged by the artist herself in the mountain area in Yamagata, Japan.
Dimensions: approx.
B - 30 x 30 x 10 cm / 11.8 x 11.8 x 4 inches
C - 26 x 26 x 12 cm / 10.4 x 10.4 x 4.8 inches
E - walnut bark on the rim 31 x 31 x 13 cm / 12.4 x 12.4 x 5.2 inches
F - 31 x 31 x 15 cm / 12.4 x 12.4 x 6 inches
G - walnut bark on the rim 31 x 31 x 21 cm / 10.4 x 10.4 x 8.4 inches
H - 32 x 36 x 20 cm/ 12.8 x 14.4 x 8 inches
Due to handmade nature, each item slightly varies in size, colour and form.
Material: Japanese Akebia
About the Maker
Watanabe Moe
Care
Please avoid storing this item under direct sunlight, or anywhere near direct fire.
Keep them dried and avoid dampness.