Drawn to Hazel and Willow Baskets: Benjamin, a Basket Maker from Germany (Part 2)
At our physical shop, we are currently holding the “The One Table” special exhibition—
Willow and Hazel Baskets from Germany and Belgium.
As part of this exhibition,
we are presenting and offering for sale hazel and willow baskets made by the German maker Benjamin,
as well as willow baskets created by the Belgian mother-and-child duo, Jeanny and Jefke.
For both makers, this marks their first presentation in Japan.
We would be honored if you could take this opportunity to see their work in person.
In this journal, following on from Part 1, we continue our introduction to Benjamin from Germany.
While the first part focused on our encounter,
here we would like to share a little more about Benjamin himself and the baskets he makes.
It all began in 2023, when we visited the World Wicker and Weaving Festival held in the city of Poznań, Poland.
Participating in the competition as a weaver was Benjamin, who had come from Germany.
The photograph shows a scene from his live demonstration at the festival.
Here, Benjamin was making a basket using hazel and willow.
On the left side of the photograph are small hazel branches. Benjamin told us that these are originally found growing naturally in hedgerows, and that he gathers them as needed when making his baskets.
He said that he prefers hazel in winter, and that he always chooses material that is fresh and in good, healthy condition.
What struck me most as I watched Benjamin’s demonstration was the extraordinary care and delicacy of his work.
At the venue, he split hazel branches and used a small tool, almost like a butter knife, to shape the splints that would form the structure of the basket. The shaving process was so careful and deliberate
that it felt as though it might go on endlessly.
This basket is woven using the bark of hazel and willow. Carefully prepared splints are laid out evenly, spreading gently as the form takes shape. There is a quiet, flowing grace to the shape created by the weave—a beauty that almost takes one’s breath away. 
Polite, gentle, and quietly refined—these are qualities that describe Benjamin himself. They also seem to be reflected in the baskets he makes. One could say that his work truly shows how a basket carries the character of its maker. 
Benjamin once said that he loves the simple feeling of touching wood, going out into nature, gathering hazel, and working with his own hands. 
He also says, “Baskets are things we use every day—to carry objects and to store them. Being able to make such everyday items without relying on machines, using natural, locally available, renewable materials, gives me a strong sense of independence.”
When you hold a basket made by Benjamin,
each one conveys a clear sense of sound craftsmanship.
You can feel, without question, how carefully and reliably it has been made.
Benjamin also speaks of his father, with whom he says he has been “working side by side” for many years.
The craft of basket making has continued in his family since his grandfather’s generation. Although his father has now retired from active work, he and Benjamin still inspire one another and continue to learn by teaching each other.
He also makes baskets using only willow as the material. There are many varieties of willow—perhaps hundreds in total—and from among them, Benjamin chooses to work with around ten different types. 
“I don’t think of myself as a ‘modern’ basket maker,” he says.
“There are forms I have inherited from my father, and there are times when I decide the proportions myself, but most of my work is based on traditional designs.”
“My goal is always to finish each piece as perfectly as I can,” he says. “Of course, I know I will never fully reach that goal, but I believe it will always remain my goal.” 
“In particular, I pay close attention to technical quality, durability, and form.”
“It feels rewarding, and I truly enjoy the work,” he says.
Before turning to basket making, Benjamin had worked in fields such as biology, environmental studies, as a social worker, and in photography.
Over time, however, he found himself growing tired of the fast-paced life in the city.
In search of a more meaningful way of living and working, he chose to devote himself to basket making.
When we told Benjamin that we were planning this special exhibition at our shop,
he was genuinely pleased.
“I love your idea of showing my work together with the baskets made by Jeanny and Jefke,” he said.
“We are friends, and I truly love their work.”
Hearing this made us realize something.
An exhibition bringing together Benjamin from Germany and the Belgian duo Jeanny and Jefke
has not yet been held even in Europe.
Please enjoy this rare and vibrant collaboration,
which may well be the first of its kind in the world.
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January 2025
9 (Thu), 10 (Fri), 11 (Sat), 12 (Sun), 13 (Mon, public holiday)
16 (Thu), 17 (Fri), 18 (Sat)
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Our physical shop is a small house located in Minami-Senju, Tokyo,
with a sales space of approximately 20 square meters.
At the center of the space sits a generously sized table that seems to occupy the room itself.
On this table, we welcome you with baskets woven from willow and hazel.
The special exhibition is held on the central table.
The surrounding shelves display our regular collection as usual.
Alongside restocked items, we will also be introducing newly arrived pieces.
We invite you to enjoy these as well.
We look forward to welcoming you at the shop.