The akebi vine (Akebia Quinata) is a wild plant native to the Tohoku (North) region of Japan, that produces small clusters of flowers during spring, and bearing fruit in autumn. Before the vines are processed, they must be dried for at least a year. The amount of akebi vine harvested is decreasing year by year making them very valuable.

The vines are handwoven by the few artisans left today using traditional tie and knot techniques which are then made into items such as baskets and trivets. The finished material is known for its extreme hardness and durability making it an excellent natural product to be used in kitchens such as a trivet for a table top.

Slight variation in colour can be found in each product due to the natural-material characteristics.