Basketry: an tradition-based craft
Basketry refers to the technique of weaving plant fibres such as wicker, bamboo and rattan, and the objects made using this technique, such as baskets, furniture and decorative objects. The practice of wickerwork dates has existed for at least 10,000 years and can be found on every continent, particularly in China. Initially used to make baskets for transporting foodstuffs and for storage, this knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation, enriching itself over the centuries with techniques and styles specific to different regions of the globe.
Les Jardins de la Comtesse baskets are made exclusively with wicker.
Here we'll explain the different stages in the manufacture of a wicker picnic basket, from the harvesting of the willow to the completion of the accessorised basket.
Cultivation and harvesting
The wicker used for our baskets comes from a variety of willow calledSalix Viminalix or ‘basket weavers’ willow’, which is widespread in temperate climates. The wicker is harvested every year. To obtain stronger strands (perches), they can be harvested every two years. Harvesting can be done in winter or spring, after the leaves have fallen and before the sap begins to rise.
After cutting, the willow stems are sorted according to thickness and length. Depending on the desired finish, the willow stems can be debarked to obtain a white wicker or left with their bark, which will give a raw wicker. The wicker is then stored in a damp place to dry. The minimum drying time required is around 30 days. 
Preparing the wicker
To make the wicker easy to work with when braiding, it must first be soaked in cold water. The wicker is immersed in vats filled with water. The length of the baths depends on the size of the wicker. For the longest strands, the baths can last up to 4 days. Soaking the wicker is an essential step, as it softens the fibres and increases their flexibility. The softened wicker will be easier to work with and easier to weave. A good soaking will also prevent the wicker from breaking during braiding.
Braiding
To make a good basket, you need a good base. Making a basket therefore begins with braiding the base, which will be the bottom of the basket. The basket-maker generally uses thicker, stiffer strands to form a solid structure on which thinner strands are interwoven to create a tight, strong weave. This stage is crucial, as it ensures the stability of the entire basket.
Once the base is complete, vertical wicker uprights are added to create the structure of the sides of the basket - this is called upright stitching. These uprights, which are more rigid, serve as a support for the finer strands that will be woven around them, known as torch tracing.
Braiding the walls is the longest and most delicate stage in making a basket. The basket-maker plaits the wicker by alternating the strands around the uprights, creating a solid wall. There are several braiding techniques, such as simple braiding or cross-braiding, which allow the basket to be both aesthetically pleasing and robust.
Once the desired height has been reached, it's time to make the border, which serves to solidify the upper part of the basket. This is done by folding and intertwining the uprights or adding new strands to create a decorative and functional effect.
This finishing stage ensures that the basket is both aesthetically pleasing and sturdy.
Once the basket has been woven, it is left to dry in the open air for several days so that the wicker regains its natural rigidity.
Accessorising the basket
The basket is then entrusted to the expert hands of the seamstresses. They will attach a handle, a shoulder strap, an insulated compartment and all the straps needed to securely hold the crockery and accessories. This work requires a certain dexterity to avoid damaging the work carried out by the basket maker. In the end, after several days' work, we obtained a Les Jardins de la Comtesse picnic basket.
The weaving of wicker baskets, although technical and meticulous, is a rewarding craft that enables many farming families to improve their income while perpetuating an ancestral know-how. With its strong regional roots, Chinese traditional basketry, through the use of local natural resources and the manufacture of objects that are both useful and decorative, offers a sustainable and eco-responsible economic alternative for rural communities.
