{"product_id":"640209-1","title":"Walnut Cracking Basket \/ Willow, Hazel \/ FRA 640209-1","description":"\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55418\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shallow basket is woven from peeled willow (white willow).\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 decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_116.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55373 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe maker is Léon, who lives in France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is the father of Benjamin, who makes baskets in Germany, and a second-generation basket maker himself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile passing on his basketry skills to his son Benjamin, Léon continues to make baskets in France to this day.\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_122.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55382 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket is made using willow, a material commonly found in Europe, together with hazel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile its fruit is widely known as “hazelnuts,” hazel—also called Corylus avellana—is a deciduous shrub belonging to the birch family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the United Kingdom, hazel is one of the most commonly seen shrubs. Since ancient times, it has been used as a material for thatching roofs, as well as for wattle fencing, coracle boats, and walking sticks—making it an essential material in everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text 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\/889b6565b301ea1c9f6b339058c6d8df.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-44693 size-full\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material shown on the left side of the photo is a hazel twig. Benjamin and Léon harvest only what they need at the time of making, from plants that grow naturally in hedgerows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a material, hazel is easy to split lengthwise and to twist. It is strong yet lightweight, making it well suited for basketry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the piece, European chestnut, dogwood, and buckthorn may also be used.\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\/ime640209-1_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55419\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis basket features a movable handle and has a form that is rarely seen elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_15-1200x900.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55421\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, we were not sure what this basket was used for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt turns out to be a basket fitted with a wooden tool designed for cracking walnuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can store walnuts in the basket and use the attached tool to crack the shells when needed, \u003cbr\u003emaking it a highly functional design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere, we introduce this “walnut cracking basket.”\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_122-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_122-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55400\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis basket is constructed with hazel (or, depending on availability, European chestnut, buckthorn, or dogwood) used for the handle and rim that form its framework. The vertical elements are also made of hazel, while the horizontal elements are finished with peeled willow. It also features a diamond-shaped decorative weave, characteristic of European basketry.\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_115.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_115.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55401\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is a side view of the basket. The wooden tool and the basket both come into contact with the ground, giving it a stable and well-balanced structure.\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_120.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55408\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe rim is tightly wrapped with minimal gaps, resulting in a carefully finished edge.\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_121.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55407\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eEven when viewed from above, you can sense the meticulous craftsmanship in every detail.\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_127.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_127.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55405\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis is the base of the basket. A thick hazel rod runs through the center, and it is carefully woven with peeled willow, giving it a firm and sturdy 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_124.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_124.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55406\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis wooden tool is also crafted by Léon himself.\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_126.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/240501_126.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55402\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eNow, to the handle. It is the kind of handle that makes you want to pick up the basket the moment you touch it. Light and easy to lift, it can be raised effortlessly.\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_129.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55404\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWhen lifted in this way, you can see a space at the base where walnuts are placed.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55423\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003ePlace a walnut there, and when you press the handle downward,\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_21.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55424\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eas you can see, the shell cracks open, allowing you to take out the nut inside.\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\/ime640209-1_10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55412\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eWith its stable construction, it works not only as a walnut cracker but also as a fruit 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=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55411\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThe handle can also be used as a gentle divider within the basket.\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\/ime640209-1_2-1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55409\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eIn the kitchen, it can also be used to store root vegetables such as onions and potatoes. When held with both hands, the smooth texture of the peeled willow feels pleasantly comfortable.\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\/ime640209-1_1.jpg\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55410\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"\u003eThis basket has been used in daily life for practical purposes—from harvest and storage to preparation.\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\/202509Germany_632-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55414\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a walnut cracking basket we saw on the table when visiting Benjamin’s home in Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the garden in front of his workshop stands a large walnut tree, from which many nuts fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basket was used to store those walnuts and to crack them when needed—truly a basket made for practical, everyday use.\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\/ime640209-1_9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55413\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough it is a basket designed for cracking walnuts, even when simply placed, \u003cbr\u003eit evokes a sense of the European landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe color of the peeled willow gently shines in natural light. \u003cbr\u003eOver time, it gradually deepens, developing a richer tone with use.\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\/ime640209-1_5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55415\"\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen cracking walnuts, pieces of the shell may scatter, \u003cbr\u003eso please be mindful of your surroundings when using it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis uniquely shaped walnut cracking basket, made in France, \u003cbr\u003ecan be enjoyed in various ways as part of your daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"\u003e\u003cimg decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1536\" src=\"https:\/\/ichikawa.ssjp.info\/assets\/uploads\/ime640209-1_22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55425\"\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":45726190895253,"sku":"640209-1","price":48400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/9799\/0549\/files\/ime640209-1_15.jpg?v=1774506229","url":"https:\/\/1basketry.live\/products\/640209-1","provider":"市川籠店 | 1basketry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}