These are handwoven baskets with handles, made from willow branches.

The maker is François, a master craftsman with over twenty years of experience in basket weaving.
He grows, harvests, and works with willow himself.
His willow fields span about 0.37 acres, where he keeps nearly 4,400lb of freshly harvested material.

The willow he uses differs from the “weeping willow” often seen in Japan, as it grows upright from the ground like rice stalks, forming clusters of slender stems.

He cultivates mainly 6-7 varieties of willow, selecting the type according to the technique or basket design.

Some have thin or thick branches, others vary in length; some are suitable for use with the bark left on, while others reveal a pale surface when peeled.

Their bark colors range from reddish or bluish tones to deep browns, so even among willows, there are countless subtle differences in form and hue.

By peeling, dyeing, or splitting the branches in half, he creates even greater variation in the material, which can then be processed into many different forms.

Here we introduce the “Oval Outdoor” basket—
a design woven with the natural bark left on, featuring softly raised rims on both sides.
It comes in two sizes: “S” and “L.”

Because it can be carried without tilting,
it is ideal for transporting lunch boxes, cakes, or other items you want to keep level.

Indoors, it can be used to store condiments or food supplies,
or as a storage basket for everyday household items.

It also looks beautiful beside a stove, filled with firewood.

When storing fabrics such as clothes or blankets,
we recommend placing a piece of cloth inside as a liner,
since the natural bark surface may occasionally catch on delicate materials.

Combining both strength and beauty,
this basket, with proper care, can be cherished and used for generations.

Please choose the size that best suits your needs.

François and His Basket Making

In the Dordogne region of southwestern France, François continues his craft of basket weaving.
He originally worked as an environmental engineer and had even founded his own company in that field.

His journey into basket making began at the end of the year 2000.
While staying with a friend in a rented house,
two hurricanes, “Lothar” and “Martin,” suddenly struck Western Europe,
destroying everything in their path.
Amid the devastation, François began gathering small branches left behind,
and out of them, he made his first simple basket—
a moment that marked the beginning of his creative journey.

From then on, he became fascinated by basketry.
He bought books to study, examined baskets around him as examples,
and refined his skills largely through self-teaching.

Whenever he had spare time, he worked with his hands.
For François, basket making—using a few simple tools and easily available materials—
felt like the work most suited to him.
He finds joy in the process itself, even more than in the finished results.

François draws inspiration from traditional French and English baskets.
He prefers simple forms and says that, when making a basket,
what matters most to him is its “shape.”

The baskets that emerge from his hands are never ostentatious—
they embody a sense of harmony and proportion that could be called the golden ratio.
With their stable forms, solid structure, and quiet warmth,
they reflect both his personality and the gentle nature of his craft.

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.