Materials
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| willow is a fast growing tree/shrub that can be coppiced or cut to produce many smaller branches and has been used in basketry around the world |
some of the most complex baskets are made with wood strips and feature rigid carved or bentwood handles. this is a beautiful example of american basketry often woven using strips of ash. |
branches are a fundamental basket material, varying in pliability they can be woven or lashed together to form baskets |
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| in parts of the world where bamboo is plentiful bamboo is the defacto material used for baskets | rope can also be a material woven into soft baskets or around other materials for structure | similar to rope soft grass or even pine needles are a common basket material resulting in softer more flexible baskets |
Forms
Display
Some of the display forms of baskets are both functional and beautiful, just look at these examples of basketry in vases, bowls, dishes
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| a giant round coil basket with rope handles | a crescent moon shaped basket bowl | a tall bamboo basket vase |
Serving
Plates, bowls, trays were functional uses for basketry and are tied to the region or area the particular type of basketry came from.
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| a set of bamboo basket bowls that could be used in a kitchen or lined with parchment and used to serve food | a woven wicker tray with handles used as a serving tray | a collection of basket plates used as wall hangings |
Carrying & Storage
Gathering baskets or baskets with handles were meant to transport. Picnic baskets are a variation on this use with lid. Whether to be carried by hand, lifted, the handles often signal the use. Meanwhile baskets with lids would be made for items that needed storing while in a home, closet, or pantry
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| a wicker suitcase with woven wicker coil organizer on one side and latches/handle | a small hinged lid picnic basket | a very large half moon wicker picnic basket |
Hope this has inspired you to incorporate the functional and artistic warmth of vintage baskets into your home or garden. You'll find a carefully curate collection of unique baskets with new additions each season in the shop!