{"product_id":"640202-1","title":"Harvest Basket “Shallow” \/ Willow \/ DEU 640202-1","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45112\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a handwoven basket with a handle, made from willow branches.\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\/ime640202-1_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45118\"\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_203.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45115 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker is Benjamin, a basket weaver currently living in Germany. Born and raised in France, he learned the craft from his father, who is also a basket maker, and inherited traditional French basketry techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding upon the traditional European basket forms, he adds his own refinements—creating baskets that are stronger 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\/ime640202-1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45117 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is woven from willow branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"white-space-collapse: collapse;\"\u003eThe willow used here differs from the weeping willows often seen in Japan, which hang down from trees. Instead, it grows upright from the ground like rice stalks, forming bushy clumps.\u003c\/span\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=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_216-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45284 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many kinds of willow, each with its own color and character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome branches are thin, others thick; some long, others short. Some are suitable for use with the bark left on, while others are peeled to reveal a pale, smooth surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir bark can appear reddish, bluish, or in deep brown tones—each subtle variation giving a different impression, even among willows of the same kind.\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=\"818\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_9-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45257 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenjamin selects the tallest and strongest willow varieties each year, as growth conditions vary depending on rainfall and temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe carefully chooses from around 10 types of willow, considering the ease of splitting, strength, bark color, and that year’s harvest volume, selecting the most suitable materials for each kind of weaving.\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\/ime640202-1_6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45119\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we introduce the “Shallow” type of the Harvest Basket,\u003cbr\u003ewoven with willow branches that retain their natural bark.\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_201.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_201.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45120\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe basket is woven by interlacing horizontal willow rods alternately in front and behind the vertical frame elements that form the base structure.\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_216-3.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_216-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45286\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAs a feature of willow bark, small “buds” can sometimes be seen on the surface. These may feel slightly uneven to the touch, but they are a natural part of the material and not a defect. Please understand this as part of the natural character of willow.\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_211.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_211.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45121\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eHere is the joint between the handle and the basket body. The wrapping around the handle crosses and is securely fixed to the rim.\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_212.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_212.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45122\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eInside the rim, the connection is also firmly bound, giving the basket a stable and solid structure when lifted.\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_213.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_213.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45124\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle itself is made by using a thicker willow branch as the core, around which thinner rods are twisted and wrapped.\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_207.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45125\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eAlong the rim, the willow is gently twisted as it is secured, creating a smooth, natural finish.\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_208.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45126\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe vertical stakes of the basket are bent at nearly right angles at the rim and woven into the surrounding structure, forming the edge. This ability to withstand sharp bends and twists is one of willow’s special qualities.\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_214.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_214.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45127\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe bottom of the basket forms a neat oval shape.\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_210-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_210-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45287\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe subtle variations in the color and texture of each willow strip create a beautiful, woven contrast like a natural pattern.\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_215.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_215.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45129\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe shallow form makes the contents easy to see and quickly accessible—one of its practical charms.\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\/ime640202-1_1-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45130\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eHere is an image of how it looks when held in the hand.\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\/ime640202-1_4.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45131\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eBecause of its shallow shape, the basket’s center of gravity stays close to the hand, making it stable when carried by hand or on the arm.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"818\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_9-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45132\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt works perfectly as a shopping basket—for items like tofu, eggs, strawberries, bread, or cake that you want to carry flat without crushing.\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\/ime640202-1_5-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45297\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIt’s also convenient for taking local produce from a farmers’ market or roadside stand 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\/ime640202-1_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45136\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its crisp and balanced form,\u003cbr\u003ethis handled basket is commonly seen not only in Germany but also in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenjamin, the maker, is good friends with François—\u003cbr\u003ethe French basket weaver whose works we also feature—and has learned from his techniques as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640202-1_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45137\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter shopping, it also serves beautifully as a storage basket for bread, fruits, or vegetables at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen using it for towels or cloths,\u003cbr\u003ewe recommend lining the inside with a piece of fabric to prevent snagging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe graceful lines of the willow branches and the well-balanced form of the basket\u003cbr\u003ebring a quiet sense of beauty and calm just by looking at them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_204.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45134\"\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":45726190239893,"sku":"640202-1","price":28600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime640202-1_7.jpg?v=1741835091","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/640202-1","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}