{"product_id":"630504","title":"Oval Outdoor Basket \/ Willow \/ FRA 630504","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44041\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-35.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54343\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_30-4.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13790\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_623.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese are handwoven baskets with handles, made from willow branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13819 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_651-1-1024x683.jpg\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker is François, a master craftsman with over twenty years of experience in basket weaving.\u003cbr\u003eHe grows, harvests, and works with willow himself.\u003cbr\u003eHis willow fields span about 0.37 acres, where he keeps nearly 4,400lb of freshly harvested material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13820 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_650-1024x683.jpg\" height=\"683\" width=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe cultivates mainly 6-7 varieties of willow, selecting the type according to the technique or basket design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir bark colors range from reddish or bluish tones to deep browns, so even among willows, there are countless subtle differences in form and hue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-37158 size-full\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6012-2-2.jpg\" height=\"798\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44042\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-32.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we introduce the “Oval Outdoor” basket—\u003cbr\u003ea design woven with the natural bark left on, featuring softly raised rims on both sides.\u003cbr\u003eIt comes in two sizes: “S” and “L.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_643.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13822\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_643.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe main body of the basket is woven by alternating the horizontal branches over and under the vertical ones.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_646.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13832\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_646.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe vertical branches are inserted into the pre-made base, then bent upward to form the sides.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_645.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13823\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_645.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAs willow branches mature, they produce soft, furry catkin buds (similar to pussy willow). The small marks where these buds once grew may sometimes feel slightly rough to the touch—please note that this is natural.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_639.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13826\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_639.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eSome of the vertical rods are bent sharply at the top—about 90 degrees—and twisted together with others to form the rim.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_638.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13825\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_638.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis kind of bending and twisting is possible thanks to the natural flexibility of willow.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_653.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13837\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_653.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAt the rim, you can see the cut ends of the willow branches used to finish and secure the edge.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_640.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13827\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_640.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is where the rim meets the handle. The wrapping branches cross over one another and are firmly secured to the rim.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_641.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13828\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_641.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAs seen inside, the construction is solid and stable, ensuring that the basket does not sway or lose shape.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_642.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13830\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_642.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle is made by twisting a thinner willow branch around a thicker one used as the core, creating a strong, reliable structure.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_648.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13835\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_648.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe bottom of the basket is shaped into an oval. Starting from the center, where the vertical and horizontal branches are interlaced, the craftsman weaves thinner branches outward in circular layers, filling the spaces between them.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_647.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13838\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_647.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim of the basket is also an elegant oval, making it easy to place and remove items.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_649.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13834\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_649.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThough the basket is solidly built and sturdy, its gently rounded bottom and upward-curving rims give it a soft and graceful impression.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54346\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_30-5.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eDepending on the availability of materials and the circumstances of the maker, the overall tone of the willow may appear closer to a grayish brown or a deeper, darker brown,\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54347\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_4-2.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThere are also pieces in a lighter, pale brown tone. The texture and appearance may vary depending on the item delivered. Please note that we are unable to accept returns or exchanges due to differences in color or tone.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_634.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13840\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_634.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the S size.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_27-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54348\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_27-1.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44043\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-15.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis photo shows how the S size looks when held.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44044\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-16.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAlthough the opening is wide, it is still easy to carry by hand as a tote.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6005-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13847\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6005-2.jpg\" height=\"798\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt also works well as a storage basket.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_633.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13842\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_633.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the L size.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_635.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13843\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_635.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54349\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_5-1.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis photo shows how the L size looks when carried.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54350\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_20-1.jpg\" height=\"798\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis basket is large and sturdy, providing ample capacity.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-37168\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_4323.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003ePerfect for outings to the sea, park, or forest camp—fill it with plenty of belongings, place it in your car, and take it along for outdoor adventures.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6048-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13852\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6048-2.jpg\" height=\"798\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt can also serve as a practical storage basket at home.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6012-2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13853\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/DSC_6012-2.jpg\" height=\"798\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eEven when left empty, it has a quiet, natural charm.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44045\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-10.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it can be carried without tilting,\u003cbr\u003eit is ideal for transporting lunch boxes, cakes, or other items you want to keep level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-54351\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime630504_1-1.jpg\" height=\"795\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndoors, it can be used to store condiments or food supplies,\u003cbr\u003eor as a storage basket for everyday household items.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also looks beautiful beside a stove, filled with firewood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13856\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_628.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen storing fabrics such as clothes or blankets,\u003cbr\u003ewe recommend placing a piece of cloth inside as a liner,\u003cbr\u003esince the natural bark surface may occasionally catch on delicate materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-44046\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime20241207-34.jpg\" height=\"900\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCombining both strength and beauty,\u003cbr\u003ethis basket, with proper care, can be cherished and used for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease choose the size that best suits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"wp-image-13857\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/210701_627.jpg\" height=\"800\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrançois and His Basket Making\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Dordogne region of southwestern France, François continues his craft of basket weaving.\u003cbr\u003eHe originally worked as an environmental engineer and had even founded his own company in that field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis journey into basket making began at the end of the year 2000.\u003cbr\u003eWhile staying with a friend in a rented house,\u003cbr\u003etwo hurricanes, “Lothar” and “Martin,” suddenly struck Western Europe,\u003cbr\u003edestroying everything in their path.\u003cbr\u003eAmid the devastation, François began gathering small branches left behind,\u003cbr\u003eand out of them, he made his first simple basket—\u003cbr\u003ea moment that marked the beginning of his creative journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom then on, he became fascinated by basketry.\u003cbr\u003eHe bought books to study, examined baskets around him as examples,\u003cbr\u003eand refined his skills largely through self-teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever he had spare time, he worked with his hands.\u003cbr\u003eFor François, basket making—using a few simple tools and easily available materials—\u003cbr\u003efelt like the work most suited to him.\u003cbr\u003eHe finds joy in the process itself, even more than in the finished results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrançois draws inspiration from traditional French and English baskets.\u003cbr\u003eHe prefers simple forms and says that, when making a basket,\u003cbr\u003ewhat matters most to him is its “shape.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe baskets that emerge from his hands are never ostentatious—\u003cbr\u003ethey embody a sense of harmony and proportion that could be called the golden ratio.\u003cbr\u003eWith their stable forms, solid structure, and quiet warmth,\u003cbr\u003ethey reflect both his personality and the gentle nature of his craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis item ships from Japan. \u003cbr\u003eAs the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. \u003cbr\u003eThese costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. \u003cbr\u003ePlease check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"1basketry","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":45297218912405,"sku":"630504-1","price":33000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large","offer_id":45297218945173,"sku":"630504-2","price":49500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime20241207-34.jpg?v=1741835395","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/630504","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}