Yama-Biko Ishi Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag

A hand-woven wild grape vine basket bag from Yama-Biko, made from 3 mm vine strips in an even open weave; 9 × 12 × 5 in.

Ishi is Yama-Biko’s crisp, even-weave basket: wild mountain grape vine split into strips of a uniform 3 mm and woven by skilled Japanese craftsmen in a steady rhythm, so the pattern stays regular all the way round. The result is a structured bag in a calm natural brown, 9 in high, 12 in long and 5 in deep, with handles sized to carry on the arm. Wild grape vine is remarkably strong, and with use it grows smoother and darker, becoming unique to its owner. It is also upcycled: the vine is cut to protect the forest trees it would otherwise choke.

Specifications

• Brand: Yama-Biko
• Model: Ishi basket
• Type: Hand-woven basket bag
• Material: Wild mountain grape vine, woven in strips of a uniform 3 mm
• Dimensions: 9 in H × 12 in L × 5 in W
• Color: Natural calm brown; deepens with use
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): YB-Ishi8-04

Features

• Hand-woven wild mountain grape vine
• Uniform 3 mm strips in a regular open weave
• 9 in H × 12 in L × 5 in W
• Natural brown that deepens with use
• Upcycled vine cut to keep forests healthy
• Made in Japan

Best for

Everyday carry for a wallet, phone, book and scarf; summer markets and city errands; a design-minded gift that will be used for decades. Pairs well with the Yama-Biko Midare Wild Grape Vine Basket Bag.

Who this is not for

• Anyone who needs a closing bag: it is an open basket.
• Laptops or heavy loads like groceries in bulk: it is sized and woven for everyday essentials.
• Rainy-day use: natural vine should be kept dry.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Japanese craft objects like this one earn their place by being used every day. 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.

Buy once: durability and care

Keep it dry: if it gets caught in rain, blot it with a dry cloth and let it dry naturally in the shade. Brush away dust with a soft brush, and store it stuffed with paper so it keeps its shape (our advice).

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Yama-Biko Ishi basket?

9 in high, 12 in long and 5 in deep.

What is the Ishi basket woven from?

Wild mountain grape vine, split into strips of a uniform 3 mm.

Will the Ishi basket change color?

Yes. Wild grape vine deepens and gains a soft sheen with use, so the bag becomes uniquely yours.

Can I carry the Ishi basket in the rain?

It is best kept dry; if it gets wet, blot it and let it dry in the shade (our advice).

What fits in the Ishi basket? (our styling advice)

A wallet, phone, keys, a paperback and a light scarf: everyday essentials rather than heavy shopping.

Why is wild grape vine considered sustainable?

The vine wraps around forest trees and damages them, so it must be cut to keep forests healthy; Yama-Biko gives that material a new use.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, stylists and hospitality buyers can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Yama-Biko and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and help sourcing in quantity. Applying takes about three minutes, and our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.