{"product_id":"640201-1","title":"Flower Basket \/ Willow \/ DEU 640201-1","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55551\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is woven from willow branches and features a handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55552\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\"\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_292.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55553 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker is Benjamin, who lives in Germany.\u003cbr\u003eBorn and raised in France, he learned basketry from his father, a basket maker, and acquired traditional French techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on traditional forms found in European basketry, he refines them in his own way, creating baskets that are more durable and more precisely woven.\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 decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55554 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is made from willow branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\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 decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_299.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55556 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many varieties of willow, each with its own color and characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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 decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55557 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenjamin selects the tallest and most durable varieties from among willow twigs, whose appearance and condition vary each year depending on rainfall and temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55558\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, we introduce this basket, named the “Flower Basket,” woven with the willow bark left intact.\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\/240501_298.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_298.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55581\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe fence-like weave pattern is particularly striking.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_308.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_308.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55561\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAs a natural characteristic of willow bark, you may notice small buds on the surface. They may feel slightly rough to the touch, but this is a natural feature and does not affect use, and therefore is not considered a defect. Please take care to avoid catching your fingers or clothing.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_300.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55562\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is where the handle is attached to the basket. It is firmly fixed, with almost no movement.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_301.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_301.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55563\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe inner side of the joint is neatly finished.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_302.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_302.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55564\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the handle. It is formed around a thick willow branch as the core, with thinner branches twisted and wrapped around it.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_296.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55579\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim is finished with a flowing weave pattern.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_297.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55580\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eViewed from above, the subtle variations in the color of the willow create a visually engaging effect.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_303.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_303.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55567\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the base of the basket. Thick willow rods are paired in twos to form a strong and durable base.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_306.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_306.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55568\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe stitching beneath the rim serves to secure each vertical rib, while also adding a playful and expressive character to the basket.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_307.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55570\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eDue to the nature of the construction, slight splitting or peeling of the willow may be seen in areas where it is twisted or woven at sharp angles. These are natural characteristics and are not considered defects. Thank you for your understanding.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_304.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55565\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe form gently slopes outward from the basket, and its relaxed curve brings a sense of calm.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_305-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_305-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55569\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe shallow, open form of the basket makes it easy to see and access the contents.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_2.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55575\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle is set at a lower height, giving the basket a lightness that makes it easy to pick up as a whole.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_5-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55572\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWhen carried over the arm, the basket sits comfortably against the body, offering a stable and easy grip.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55574\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eBy placing a liner inside, you can arrange a freshly bought bouquet casually in the basket and enjoy it as a flower basket in your interior. It also pairs beautifully with dried flowers.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55576\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt can also be used as a shopping basket. It is especially useful when you want to carry items such as bread or cakes while keeping them flat and intact. It also works well for carrying ingredients selected at roadside markets or farmers’ markets straight to your car.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640201-1_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55577\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike the gentle slopes of the European countryside, this handled basket draws a soft, flowing curve. \u003cbr\u003eIt is a form commonly seen in France, where Benjamin is from.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlong with the techniques passed down from his father and grandfather, \u003cbr\u003eBenjamin continues to create a wide variety of baskets while engaging with makers across France and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_290-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55582\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter shopping, it can also be used as a basket to store ingredients such as bread, fruits, and vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen placing fabric items such as towels or cloths inside, \u003cbr\u003ewe recommend lining the interior with a cloth to help prevent snagging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural form of the willow branches and the balanced shape of the basket bring a sense of calm, \u003cbr\u003eoffering a quiet pleasure simply by looking at it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_293.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55578\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBenjamin’s Basket Weaving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore becoming a basket maker,\u003cbr\u003eBenjamin worked in fields such as biology, environmental studies, social work, and photography.\u003cbr\u003eOver time, however, he found himself weary of the fast-paced urban lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeking a more meaningful way of living and working, he chose to devote himself to basket weaving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“I love the simple feeling of touching wood, going out into nature, collecting hazel,\u003cbr\u003eand working with my hands,” he says.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Baskets are used every day to carry and store things.\u003cbr\u003eBeing able to make such objects—not by machine, but from renewable, local materials—\u003cbr\u003egives me a sense of independence.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe says his goal in basket making is always to reach perfection—\u003cbr\u003ea goal that can never truly be attained, which is precisely why it continues to inspire him.\u003cbr\u003eThe baskets he creates are all of exceptional quality, beautifully shaped, and built to last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease also take a look at our journal featuring Benjamin from Germany.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/blogs\/journal\/encounter-benjamin-basket-maker-germany-2023-part-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAn Encounter with Benjamin, a Basket Maker from Germany (Part 1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/blogs\/journal\/drawn-to-hazel-and-willow-benjamin-germany-part-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eDrawn to Hazel and Willow Baskets: Benjamin, a Basket Maker from Germany (Part 2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/blogs\/journal\/germany-business-trip-2025-part-12\" data-type=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Visit to Benjamin’s Workshop (1) — Germany Business Trip Journal 12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/blogs\/journal\/germany-business-trip-2025-part-13\" data-type=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Visit to Benjamin’s Workshop (2)—Germany Business Trip Journal 13\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\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":"Default Title","offer_id":45726190108821,"sku":"640201-1","price":33000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime640201-1_3.jpg?v=1769242131","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/640201-1","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}