Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Mini Bag - Cobblestone) with leather shoulder strap
$828
Feature
Michinoku Vine Crafts' Wild Grape Vine Bag
Crafted by artisans from domestically grown wild grape vines, these wild grape vine basket bags become more lustrous and softer with use, becoming more accustomed to their owner and truly lasting. Experience the strength of the vines nurtured in the harsh Tohoku environment, the risky harvesting, and the deep flavor created by meticulous handwork.
What are Michinoku Vine Crafts' Wild Grape Vine Bags?
Michinoku Vine Crafts' wild grape vine bags are made from domestic wild grape vines harvested in the mountains of Tohoku, and are crafted through a drying, tanning, and weaving process. Resistant to water and dryness, they return to their original shape after getting wet in the rain. They develop a lustrous and soft texture over the years, making them durable enough to be used for generations to come.
The crafting process of Wild grape vine bags
Due to climate change, the harvest of sturdy wild grape vines grown in Tohoku is decreasing year by year. It's said that they may no longer be harvestable in the near future.
(1) Collection and Peeling
Wild grape vines are collected in the mountains and the skin is peeled on the spot. The period in which wild grape vines can be harvested is very short, just two weeks a year during the rainy season. This is the only time the vines can be harvested, when they are rich in water, and the skin can be peeled off the thicker vines. Collecting wild grape vines also helps with the undergrowth cutting process, which involves clearing out weeds other than those planted in the mountains. This undergrowth cutting ensures that the seedlings established in the mountains can grow healthily.
(2) Drying and Trimming
The vines are dried for several months. The vines are trimmed to a consistent thickness and width.
(3) Soaking and Weaving
After soaking in water for a day and a night, the vines are tanned and woven.
What Makes This Artisan's Wild Grape Vine Bags So Special
- Made exclusively with domestically grown wild grape vines, these bags are extremely durable and break-resistant.
- The entire process, from harvesting to production, is carried out by artisans themselves.
- The more they use them, the more lustrous they become, and the shape and texture adapt to the owner.
- Water- and dry-resistant, they can be used safely for many years.
- A serial numbered after-sales service system is in place.
Lineup
Browse our range of wild grape vine bags
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Pochette Stone Crest) with drawstring and leather shoulder strap
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Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (square and horizontal)
$1,014
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Tote D6)
$1,183
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Variegated Ajiro V-Shaped Medium)
$1,352
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (square, medium, tiered)
$1,335
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (square, tortoiseshell)
$1,420
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Pochette Flower Pattern) with drawstring and leather shoulder strap
$1,521
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Rounded corners, small, diamond-shaped, three-braid)
$1,944
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Flower Weave, Round C)
$2,704
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Square, Large)
$1,483
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Openwork, Medium)
$1,521
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Openwork Shoulder Bag) (with leather shoulder strap)
$930
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Rounded Corners, Rounded Bottom Line 1)
$1,099
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (rounded corners, small)
$1,065
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Rounded Corners, Medium)
$1,208
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Rounded Corners, Large)
$1,487
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Tote Bag, Large)
$1,817
Japanese-made wild grape vine basket bag (Mini Basket) with a messy weave (interior: wild grape vine-dyed canvas)
$1,082
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Wild Landscape (Medium))
$1,352
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Wide Width (Medium))
$1,352
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Openwork, Large)
$1,563
Japanese Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag (Rounded Corners, Rounded Bottom Line 2)
$1,318
Japanese wild grape vine basket bag (Shoulder bag, wide, medium width)
$786
The workshop
Michinoku Vine Crafts, Japan
Michinoku Vine Crafts is located in Fukuda-cho, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, at the foot of the Azuma Mountains. Master carpenter Shoji Takagi and his colleagues enter the mountains every year during the rainy season for a limited period to harvest wild grape vines in the rugged mountains. Despite the dangers of cliffs and falling rocks, they work together to find vines, exclaiming, "That looks like a tasty tree!" The harvested vines are then peeled on the spot and meticulously crafted into basket bags. Envisioning baskets that will retain their luster and remain a part of everyday life for a hundred years, they continue to create products that are in harmony with nature.
Use cases
- As a basket bag for everyday outings.
- Can be worn with both Japanese and Western clothing, regardless of the season.
- As a long-time favorite bag to be passed down from parent to child and grandchild.
- For practical uses, such as for picking wild vegetables.
FAQ
Is it okay if it gets wet in the rain?
Domestic wild grape vines are water-resistant, and even if they get wet, they will return to their original shape simply by drying.
How does the lustre develop?
By handling and using them every day, the oils from your hands will soak into the bag, resulting in a natural lustre.
What precautions should I take when caring for it?
Store in a well-ventilated place and do not apply vegetable oils.