This basket is made from hazel bark.

The nuts are well known as “hazelnuts.” Hazel, also called Corylus avellana, is a deciduous shrub in the birch family.

In Britain, also in Europe like Lithuania, hazel is the most common shrub.
Historically it was used as material for thatched roofs, woven fences, wattle-and-daub boats, walking sticks, and other essential tools of daily life.

As a material, it splits easily along the grain and twists readily
Strong yet light, it is well suited for basketry.

Some Lithuanians, on seeing this hazel basket, remarked that it is “a basket characteristic of Lithuania,”
suggesting that hazel is a familiar material for harvest baskets.

This basket is also made by Ira and Ana, who craft pine root baskets as well,
and they harvest the materials themselves.

Here we introduce round baskets made from hazel, in two sizes: “S” and “L.”

With a slightly rugged texture, the hazel reveals its wild bark.
Its rustic, earthy fragrance and depth are part of its charm.

Though rugged in appearance, the feeling to the touch is gentle.
You can hold it in your palms as if cradling it, and it somehow gives a sense of comfort.

It also works well as a container for small items, or for displaying flowers and greenery.

It makes you wonder what to put in, and simply looking at its presence is also delightful.

Please choose the size that best suits you.

__Baskets in Lithuania__

Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic states,
which lie in northeastern Europe along the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea.
It borders Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the south, and the Russian territory to the west.
In its history, there were times when it was united with Poland or Russia, and there are deep cultural ties.

Lithuania has many lakes, including Lake Vištytis, as well as extensive wetlands and woodlands.
The terrain is generally flat and level, with no mountains of significant elevation.

Perhaps because of this, even in cities, woodlands and nature are close at hand and part of daily life.
In autumn, people in Lithuania enjoy mushroom hunting and berry gathering.
They also pick apples and herbs from their gardens, which form part of their everyday diet.

Although baskets made from natural materials are becoming fewer,
in Lithuania baskets have traditionally been used not for shopping or storage, but for harvesting.
Even today they remain closely connected with mushroom hunting, berry picking, and gathering herbs.

Mushrooms picked in the forest are still breathing, so if placed in plastic bags they spoil.
But in a breathable basket, the mushrooms can continue to breathe, making it a good match.
For herbs as well, such as wild linden or lime blossoms gathered from under the trees,
baskets are better than plastic or vinyl because they prevent moisture from building up.

In Lithuania, there is the idea that “the gifts of the forest belong to everyone,”
and this is guaranteed by law, allowing people to go freely into the forest in daily life.

Baskets that receive the blessings of the forest—practical and symbolic at the same time—
make us wish that Lithuania’s basket culture will continue far into the future.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.