Yama-Biko

Yama-Biko: basket bags hand-woven in Japan from wild mountain grape vine.

Yama-Biko weaves bags from wild mountain grape vine. The vine wraps itself around forest trees and damages them, so it has to be cut to keep the forest healthy; Yama-Biko turns that unwanted material into baskets, woven by skilled Japanese craftsmen in traditional patterns, with hundreds of weave designs in its repertoire. The vine is split into strips of a uniform 3 mm, and the finished bags grow darker and glossier with use.

How to choose

Ishi has an even, open lattice (9 × 12 × 5 in). Koji is the sculptural statement, with a free, layered weave (9.5 × 13 × 5 in). Midare is dense and irregular (10 × 12.5 × 5 in).

Shop the collection

Basket bags

Trade pricing

Designers, architects and hospitality buyers: apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on these makers and our full catalog, with a dedicated trade support line.

Shipping & returns

In-stock items ship in 2–3 business days; orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final; report damage or a wrong item within 48 hours of delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What are Yama-Biko bags made of?

Wild mountain grape vine, split into 3 mm strips and woven by hand in Japan.

Why is wild grape vine sustainable?

It damages forest trees and must be cut back; Yama-Biko upcycles that cut vine.

Will a Yama-Biko basket change color?

Yes, it deepens to a richer brown and gains a sheen with use.

Can Yama-Biko baskets get wet?

Keep them dry; if caught in rain, blot and dry them in the shade (our advice).

Which Yama-Biko basket is largest?

Koji, at 9.5 × 13 × 5 in.