Akebia place mat
This item is stocked in the UK and in Japan.
----------
Based on the art of Japanese vernacular weaving, this woven vine would make perfect place mat for rustic talble, or simply beautiful as wall hanging.
Akebia quinata - also called Chocolate vine - is a semi-evergreen climbing shrub native to East Asia. It has been used for basketary weaving for hundreds of years in a similar way to willow, except Akebia is twining and much thinner.
The material used is all sustainably and responsibly foraged by the artist in the mountain area in Yamagata, Japan.
Measurements: approx
length 30cm / width15cm / height
Due to handmade nature, each item slightly varies in size, colour and form.
MaterialJapanese Akebia
About the Maker
Watanabe Moe weaves natural plants and crafts various home items, ranging from baskets to fashion accessory. Most of her works are made of wild Akebia quinata (Chocolate vine) and Japanese walnut tree bark, foraged by herself sustainably and responsibly.
Watanabe's works are based on the Japanese weaving techniques, but reworked with contemporary design concept and aesthetics. Raised in Tokyo, she fell in love with the vernacular weaving tradition in Yamagata, where she had lived and studied at Tohoku University of Art and Design. Currently she is based in both these two places, traveling, making and foraging.
Watanabe received Special Mention of LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize. Read more...
Care
Please avoid storing this item under direct sunlight, or anywhere near direct fire.
Keep them dried and avoid dampness.