BASKETWORK

Basketry, an ancestral craft, proves to be one of the oldest know-how in the world, bearing witness to a rich history throughout the ages.

A short history of the know-how

Basketry is the art of weaving plant fibers to create utilitarian or decorative objects. This know-how requires an in-depth knowledge of materials (wicker, rattan, straw, etc.) and weaving techniques (twist, spiral, etc.). The basket maker, a passionate craftsman, transforms raw material into baskets, bowls, furniture, and other art objects.

The origins of basketry are lost in the mists of time. From the first objects woven by man to everyday objects, basketry has always aimed to improve comfort and meet practical needs. Over the centuries, the techniques have been refined, the tools have been simplified, but the traditional gesture has been passed down from generation to generation.

Despite a rich history spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century movement, during which woven furniture production reached a peak, French basketry faced significant challenges after World War II. The emergence of plastics and increased competition from Asian and Eastern European imports contributed to its decline.

While wicker basketry is most prevalent in France, craftsmen also utilize materials such as rattan, straw, raffia, bamboo, chestnut, and hazel.

The know-how

Since her reconversion, Karelle Couturier is infusing new life into the art of basketry within her workshop “Atelier Brins de Malice”. Her exploration has led her towards a form of basketry not widely known in the West: Japanese bamboo basketry. Characterized by its finesse and precision, it is based on a specific use of bamboo. She then began a true exchange of know-how with Takayuki Shimizu, a Japanese basket maker, thus promoting a crossed transmission.