This is a handwoven basket with a handle, made from willow branches.

The maker is Benjamin, a basket weaver currently living in Germany. Born and raised in France, he learned the craft from his father, who is also a basket maker, and inherited traditional French basketry techniques.

Building upon the traditional European basket forms, he adds his own refinements—creating baskets that are stronger and more precisely woven.

This basket is woven from willow branches.

The willow used here differs from the weeping willows often seen in Japan, which hang down from trees. Instead, it grows upright from the ground like rice stalks, forming bushy clumps.

There are many kinds of willow, each with its own color and character.

Some branches are thin, others thick; some long, others short. Some are suitable for use with the bark left on, while others are peeled to reveal a pale, smooth surface.

Their bark can appear reddish, bluish, or in deep brown tones—each subtle variation giving a different impression, even among willows of the same kind.

Benjamin selects the tallest and strongest willow varieties each year, as growth conditions vary depending on rainfall and temperature.

He carefully chooses from around 10 types of willow, considering the ease of splitting, strength, bark color, and that year’s harvest volume, selecting the most suitable materials for each kind of weaving.

Here we introduce the “Shallow” type of the Harvest Basket,
woven with willow branches that retain their natural bark.

With its crisp and balanced form,
this handled basket is commonly seen not only in Germany but also in France.

Benjamin, the maker, is good friends with François—
the French basket weaver whose works we also feature—and has learned from his techniques as well.

After shopping, it also serves beautifully as a storage basket for bread, fruits, or vegetables at home.

When using it for towels or cloths,
we recommend lining the inside with a piece of fabric to prevent snagging.

The graceful lines of the willow branches and the well-balanced form of the basket
bring a quiet sense of beauty and calm just by looking at them.

Benjamin’s Basket Weaving

Before becoming a basket maker,
Benjamin worked in fields such as biology, environmental studies, social work, and photography.
Over time, however, he found himself weary of the fast-paced urban lifestyle.

Seeking a more meaningful way of living and working, he chose to devote himself to basket weaving.

“I love the simple feeling of touching wood, going out into nature, collecting hazel,
and working with my hands,” he says.

“Baskets are used every day to carry and store things.
Being able to make such objects—not by machine, but from renewable, local materials—
gives me a sense of independence.”

He says his goal in basket making is always to reach perfection—
a goal that can never truly be attained, which is precisely why it continues to inspire him.
The baskets he creates are all of exceptional quality, beautifully shaped, and built to last.

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.