Filling the Basket | Lithuania: Baskets and Craft — Part 3
Beginning on Thursday, February 6, 2025, our physical store has been hosting the “The One Table” special exhibition.
Titled “From Lithuania / Baskets and Craft – Carrying, Gifting, Sounds and Wind,”
the exhibition introduces Lithuanian folk crafts, including baskets made from pine roots and willow.
Each piece is visually engaging, gentle on the body, and quietly uplifting to the spirit.
In this journal as well, we will continue to introduce the lineup featured in the exhibition.
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1. Pine Root Baskets with Handles
These baskets are made by Ira and Ana using the roots of pine trees.
Basketry that uses tree roots as its material is rarely seen in Japan, but it was traditionally practiced in the Baltic region, including Lithuania, as well as in Scandinavia.
The makers themselves enter the forest to gather the materials,
and they also carry out all of the preparation needed to turn the roots into splints for weaving.
Transforming pine roots—thick and irregular like burdock—into usable weaving material is extremely labor-intensive,
and for this reason, very few makers continue to produce pine root baskets today.
The pine roots show natural twists and a rugged, earthy texture,
yet when you touch them, the fibers feel surprisingly soft,
with no catching or roughness—offering a gentle, comfortable feel in the hand.
The basket’s simple, natural coloring makes it easy to enjoy arranging it with fabrics you like,
such as a cloth cover or a drawstring bag.
At the in-store special exhibition, we are also introducing a series of drawstring bags by Lithuania’s formuniform.
*The photo shows a Pine Root Basket (Oval / One Handle, M size)
paired with a formuniform drawstring bag in “Seaform,” SS size.
This combination features a Pine Root Basket (Round / Double Handle, S size) paired with a drawstring bag made from Indian khadi cotton. (The drawstring bag is also available for purchase in-store.)
The baskets come in two shapes—round and oval.
Handle options include both double-handle and single-handle styles.
Circle / One Handle, M Size 
Oval / Double Handle, XL Size 
Oval / One Handle, M Size 
Circle / Double Handle, M Size
The freshly made baskets have a light, airy feel, with a slightly matte surface where the fibers softly stand.
Their clear, refreshing whiteness is part of their charm, but over time, the surface gradually becomes smoother and develops a gentle sheen,
while the color deepens into a warm, amber tone—an aging process that is also a pleasure to enjoy.
*The basket on the right in the photo has been used for approximately five years.
View the Pine Root Basket with Handle (Circle) in our online shop
View the Pine Root Basket with Handle (Oval) in our online shop
2. Willow Round Baskets, S & L Sizes
These are willow baskets, also made by Ira and Ana,
the same makers as the pine root baskets.
In Europe, willow is a commonly used material for basket making, and there are specialist suppliers where makers can purchase prepared materials.
However, in the case of Ira and Ana, their work begins by gathering wild willow themselves, starting from the harvesting of naturally growing plants.
This basket is also one that requires an extra level of care and effort. Like the hazel baskets, it has a rounded, softly plump form, but while hazel baskets are woven using split twigs, this willow basket is made using the twigs in their natural, round form.
The inner surface of the basket also reveals the bark of the twigs, giving it a sense of weight and depth, along with a subtle natural sheen.
You might also enjoy filling the basket with chocolates, loose-leaf herbal tea, and coasters to create a thoughtful tea-time set.
3. Hazel Round Baskets, S & L Sizes
The softly rounded, plump shape of these hazel baskets has a gently comforting presence.
Many people in Lithuania describe this as a “very Lithuanian basket.”
It is a familiar, everyday basket that once seemed to be found in every household, used as a harvesting basket for gathering mushrooms, berries, and other foods essential to daily meals.
Perhaps because of this, the basket has a beautiful presence even when simply placed on its own, but when something is placed inside, it feels especially well balanced and comes into its own.
Keeping everyday items that you reach for often casually tucked inside helps things feel neatly organized and brings a pleasant sense of calm.
4. Willow Mini Basket
A palm-sized basket woven from peeled willow,
made by removing the bark before weaving.
It is a miniature version of a much larger harvesting basket, scaled down to a charming size. Despite its small form, it is sturdy and practical—perfect for holding items such as keys or lip balm.
The maker is Gintas, who trained in basket making
and has long worked as a professional craftsperson.
Now, due to his advanced age, he continues to make these mini baskets as part of his daily routine, working at a gentle pace while focusing on his health.
Though small in size, each basket is made with careful attention paid to every detail. It is a beautifully finished piece that reflects both skill and sincerity.
This mini basket is often chosen by those who are using a basket for the very first time.
It is a refined and precious basket that is easy to welcome into everyday life.
5. Wooden Ornament “Cottage”
A small ornament that fits neatly in the palm of your hand.
Made from birch plywood.
With details such as a tiny chimney, carefully cut window frames, and a door,
it has a charming, storybook-like presence that lifts the spirit.
The string attached to the cottage ornament is also made in Lithuania and crafted from linen. It comes in three color variations: white, red, and beige. There is a thoughtful attention even in these small details, which brings a quiet, warm feeling to the heart. (For online shop orders, the string color will be assorted.)
You can view the Cottage Ornament in our online shop here.
6. Wooden Tray by Erikas – Small “Gerda”
A carved wooden vessel made by Erikas Čipas,
who is both a shepherd and a woodcraft artist.
This piece is inspired by the traditional Lithuanian wooden tub known as a “Gerda,” which has long been used in everyday life, and is crafted here as a smaller, artisanal object.
The original Gerda was a large vessel hollowed out from a tree trunk, used for a wide range of purposes such as sifting grain, bathing children, and many other aspects of daily life.
The carved patterns on both sides stand out beautifully. 
Hand-carved marks can also be seen on the surface of the tray itself,
giving it a deep, expressive character. Made from soft linden wood.
In Lithuania, linden is a familiar tree, often planted around homes.
Ideal as a tray for frequently used seasonings, spices, or jars of honey. 
It also works beautifully as a plate for sweets—sure to make tea time even more enjoyable.
7.-1 Ceramic Pitcher Series by Vigantas
These are ceramic pitchers made in Lithuania using locally sourced red clay.
The works are created by Vigantas Vasaistis, who teaches ceramics and produces his work in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania.
Vigantas, who researches and practices traditional techniques, shapes his pieces on a foot-powered kick wheel without the use of electricity, and decorates them with dotted patterns applied using tools made from animal horns.
There are two different patterns available. This one represents a “snow crystal.” Shown here in the Small size. 
This one also features the snow crystal motif, shown here in the Medium size. 
This is the Large size with a dot pattern. You can fully enjoy the rich, hand-drawn character of the dotted decoration, applied by Vigantas using an animal horn. 
With its smooth curves and softly rounded, stable form, it is a piece you could look at endlessly.
7.-2 Ceramic Pitcher by Vigantas – Tiny
This is another miniature series, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Though tiny in size, each piece is carefully finished down to the smallest details, making its miniature scale all the more delightful and heart-stirring.
It can be used to hold pens, or to serve milk for tea or coffee. 
Each piece also differs in its pattern and the way the dotted decoration appears. Two sizes are available: S and L. 
The ceramics made by Vigantas—whose sturdy build contrasts gently with his kind expression—carry a unique charm that balances precision with generosity. They feel timeless, as if their appeal will never fade. 
Please take your time to compare them and choose the one that feels like your favorite.
You can view the online shop for Vigantas’s Ceramic Pitcher (Tiny) here.
7.-3 Ceramic Plate by Vigantas
This is another beautifully finished plate featuring a dot pattern.
It is enjoyable simply to admire on its own, but Vigantas’s ceramics seem to come alive even more when paired with the colors of fruit or vegetables, each enhancing the other.
You might use it to casually place seasonal vegetables or fruit you’ve bought or gathered.
Of course, it would also work beautifully as a breakfast or lunch plate, serving rice or bread alongside a simple dish.
7.-4 Ceramic Bowl by Vigantas
This is a ceramic bowl featuring the “Snowflake” pattern. It is available in three sizes.
Each snowflake, carefully drawn one by one using an animal horn, evokes Lithuania’s white winter season. At the same time, the gentle touch of the horn and the soft white pattern convey a sense of warmth, as if embracing that cold time of year.
As this is a softly fired ceramic made from red clay, we recommend using bamboo or wooden cutlery with a gentle touch when serving or portioning food.
8. Ceramic Works by Ruta
This ceramic series by Ruta includes free cups, pitchers, and animal whistles.
These pieces are also softly fired ceramics made using red clay from Lithuania.
Each piece is one of a kind. The motifs Ruta paints depict animals and plants that are familiar and close to everyday life in Lithuania.
With gentle colors and lively depictions of plants and animals, these pieces create a world like a soothing painting—one you could look at forever.
At this time, we do not have plans to list them in our online shop, but we are happy to assist with mail order by email or phone. Please feel free to contact us.
8.-1 Pitcher, M 
8.-2 Pitcher, L 
8.-3 Free Cup, S Size / From left: A, B, C 
8.-4 Free Cup, XS Size / From left: A, B, C, D, E, F 
8.-5 Animal Whistles / From left: Cow, Cat, Dog, Pig 
Each piece has a mouthpiece at the tail. There are holes on both sides of the body, and by covering or uncovering them, you can produce three different notes. We hope you enjoy their charming sounds.
Due to the nature of their construction, the bottoms of the free cups and pitchers
may feel slightly rough.
To help prevent scratching your table, we recommend using a coaster.
They pair especially well with wooden coasters.
Enjoying “My Cup of Tea” blended herbal tea in Ruta’s cups or pitchers
is a truly blissful experience.
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Our shop mainly works with handcrafted items made from natural materials, such as baskets,
but we also carry ceramics, wooden pieces like coasters, as well as herbal teas and chocolates.
Each of these items is made from the gifts of nature,
crafted carefully by human hands, one by one.
In that sense, they pair beautifully with baskets,
and seeing them gathered together inside a basket
feels quietly heartwarming.
In Lithuania, it is said that in the past,
placing bread or honey in a basket
and giving it to a neighbor was an everyday custom.
Perhaps the basket would then be returned,
filled in turn with something in return.
The Lithuanian special exhibition is now entering its final week.
It will run for three days: Thursday, February 27; Friday, February 28; and Saturday, March 1.
There is still much to see, and we would be very happy if you could visit us.
We look forward to welcoming you.
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“The One Table” Special Exhibition
From Lithuania / Baskets and Craft
– Carrying, Gifting, Sounds and Wind –
February 2025
Thu 6, Fri 7, Sat 8, Sun 9
Thu 13, Fri 14, Sat 15
Thu 20, Fri 21, Sat 22
Thu 27, Fri 28, Sat Mar 1
On view are pine root baskets, hazel baskets, and willow baskets
made by Ira and Ana in Lithuania, as well as miniature baskets by Gintas.
We are also pleased to present, for the first time at our shop,
peeled willow baskets made by Sigitas,
along with a wide variety of other Lithuanian baskets.
Baskets are both containers and tools for carrying,
and alongside these baskets we have arranged
a selection of beautiful Lithuanian crafts
that naturally invite you to place something inside and carry them along.
From blended herbal teas and chocolates
to ceramic owls and bird whistles,
ceramic cups and pitchers,
and wooden craft items,
each piece is authentic, practical,
and visually uplifting.
For celebrating someone close to you,
as a thoughtful gift,
or as a present for yourself—
why not try filling a basket with something special?
We look forward to welcoming you.
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Please note that the special exhibition is displayed on the central table.
The surrounding shelves feature our regular permanent selection as usual.
Alongside restocked items, we will also be introducing newly arrived pieces.
We hope you will enjoy exploring those as well.