Basket

A basket is a stiff container that is used for carrying or storing objects. Baskets are made from thin strips of materials such as straw, plastic, or wire woven together. Baskets are made for a variety of purposes, including food gathering and storage, furnishings, garments and ceremonial uses. Basketry can transmit important artistic knowledge and cultural traditions.

Wicker baskets are made by weaving organic reed, cane, grass, branches, roots or man-made products into containers used for storing, carrying or displaying things. Their uses are in fact endless. They can be large or small, have handles, open tops or lids, be hung on a wall or sit on a table or the ground.

Basket weaving or basketry is a very unique ancient craft as it allows to create sculptural objects. Traditionally baskets were woven by hand from natural fibers, similar to the weaving of textiles. A wide variety of natural materials have been used to create baskets, for example bark, willow rods, grass, leaves, etc.

Bamboo is the prime material for making all sorts of baskets, since it is the main material that is available and suitable for basketry. Other materials that may be used are ratan and hemp palm. In Japan, bamboo weaving is registered as a traditional Japanese craft with a range of fine and decorative arts.