As the venue fills with heat, constant conversation,
and from time to time the voices of the Ukrainian vocal ensemble that lift the atmosphere,
each participant’s work enters its most intense stage.

What began as nothing more than bundles of long, slender sticks
is shaped by human hands, one by one.
Little by little, a living form begins to appear—
the unmistakable shape of a basket.
There is something quietly mysterious about watching that solid presence grow stronger as it takes form.

Here, we invite you to take a look at some of the finished woven works created
during the two days of live demonstrations at this year’s festival.

Thinking that each maker brought their work to this level in just two days,
starting from the preparation of raw materials, was deeply moving.
It also reminded us how rare it is to see works by makers of so many different nationalities gathered together in one place.

From traditional forms to sculptural pieces and works close to furniture, an extraordinary variety of creations was on display.
The baskets we carry in our shop are mostly practical, everyday items,
but these works once again made us feel the breadth and freedom of woven craft as a whole.

Toshio’s basket, made using sawagurumi (walnut bark) from Iwate, was also completed safely,
and I felt a deep sense of relief.
To begin weaving from scratch in a place as far away as Poland, while communicating with so many people,
and to bring the basket to completion over the course of two days—
this finished piece carries an even greater sense of value and gratitude.

Now that all of the baskets have been completed and assembled,
the festival has reached its final stage: the award ceremony.

Please stay with us just a little longer.

Tomotake Ichikawa

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To be continued