The Willow picnic basket
In the great tradition of willow basketry, this picnic basket has two hinged lids on either side of the handle, so you can carry your dishes and food under cover. Lightweight and sturdy, this willow picnic basket is a walker's friend, and will happily transform into a shopping basket, harvest basket or mushroom basket. When you get home, you can just as easily imagine it as a craft basket, or for storing onions or potatoes. Note the dark brown willow trim at the bottom of the weave.
Willow, rattan, what's the difference?
Rattan is a tropical plant (85% comes from Indonesia) related to the palm family that produces a "cane" that is easy to bend (with steam). Rattan allows for tighter curves and finer weaves than willow, but being less rigid, it requires a heavier frame.
Willow grows easily throughout Europe. It does not require any plant protection products or fertilizer. The harvest is completely regenerated each year, so it is a very easily renewable resource. Peeled hot ("buff" willow with natural copper tones) or cold ("white" willow), it is most often presented untreated, the willow fibre leaving its smooth and satiny surface to appear "au naturel".
Characteristics and options
Overall dimensions: height 39 cm (basket only : 25 cm without handle) x width 30 cm x length 41 cm. Weight 800 g. Entirely woven from natural buff wicker and dark brown dyed wicker.
A wicker basket is not really made to withstand bad weather, persistent humidity (don't leave it outside all winter), frost, or too long exposure to the sun. Also, each piece is hand-woven. Dimensional differences of 1 to 2 cm can be observed, no two are exactly the same.
Maintenance: dust with a soft brush, avoid commercial cleaning products. In the event of heavy soiling, you can exceptionally rinse with water and brush with Marseille soap.