This basket is woven from willow branches and features a handle.

The maker is Benjamin, who lives in Germany.
Born and raised in France, he learned basketry from his father, a basket maker, and acquired traditional French techniques.

Based on traditional forms found in European basketry, he refines them in his own way, creating baskets that are more durable and more precisely woven.

This basket is made from willow branches.

The willow used as material is different from the weeping willow commonly seen in Japan, whose branches hang down from the tree. Instead, it grows upright from the ground in clustered stems, much like rice plants.

There are many varieties of willow, each with its own color and characteristics.

Some have slender branches, others are thicker; some are longer, while others are shorter. Some are suited to be used with their bark intact, while others are peeled to reveal a pale, smooth surface.

The color of the bark also varies—ranging from reddish tones to bluish hues, and deep browns. Even within the same type of willow, there are many subtle differences in form and appearance.

Benjamin selects the tallest and most durable varieties from among willow twigs, whose appearance and condition vary each year depending on rainfall and temperature.

He also takes into account how easily the willow can be split, its strength, the color of the bark, and the harvest conditions of each year, choosing from around ten different types of willow to find the most suitable material for each basket.

Here, we introduce this basket, named the “Flower Basket,” woven with the willow bark left intact.

Like the gentle slopes of the European countryside, this handled basket draws a soft, flowing curve.
It is a form commonly seen in France, where Benjamin is from.

Along with the techniques passed down from his father and grandfather,
Benjamin continues to create a wide variety of baskets while engaging with makers across France and Europe.

After shopping, it can also be used as a basket to store ingredients such as bread, fruits, and vegetables.

When placing fabric items such as towels or cloths inside,
we recommend lining the interior with a cloth to help prevent snagging.

The natural form of the willow branches and the balanced shape of the basket bring a sense of calm,
offering a quiet pleasure simply by looking at it.

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 also take a look at our journal featuring Benjamin from Germany.

An Encounter with Benjamin, a Basket Maker from Germany (Part 1)

Drawn to Hazel and Willow Baskets: Benjamin, a Basket Maker from Germany (Part 2)

A Visit to Benjamin’s Workshop (1) — Germany Business Trip Journal 12

A Visit to Benjamin’s Workshop (2)—Germany Business Trip Journal 13

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.