Baskets of Estonia, Lithuania and Spain

Before the emergence of plastics, people used natural materials available around them to make the items necessary for everyday life. Materials are chosen and manipulated specifically for the finished piece to perform its task. Unlike mass-produced items of today, ageing means beauty and character and is a reflection of fine craftsmanship.

Baskets have long been made from all kinds of materials in diverse shapes and sizes. Largely unaffected by technology, baskets have always been woven by hand from start to finish at the rhythm of a craftsperson. There used to be a time when excess was not an option; time, care and effort was always required to create something useful and durable. 

Found MUJI World Baskets 2 explores basket used in different parts of Europe, made from materials ranging from trees, shrubs to grasses. Pine from Estonia and willow from Lithuania are both materials commonly found in the cooler climates and esparto is a grass that grows abundantly in the hot dry areas of the south. 

These baskets are remnants of skills and traditions that have survived, and are still surviving in today’s world.

Launch Date: 12th September 2019.

Willow Lithuania Considering all the different combinations of the willow types, treatments and weaving techniques available, willow baskets do come in endless variations. Baskets for everyday use utilise the more slender rods, which are tightly woven into fine and sturdy shapes. When required to be extra durable or to be used near water, the skin may be left on. Some baskets are made of split willow, which can only be done with older plants with thicker stalks, though these can also be bent and used as basket handles.

When asked about whether the different types of baskets all have specific uses, the craftspeople simply replied: ‘they should be used as you like.’	Willow is a versatile material that allows craftspeople to freely develop their designs, from small baskets to furniture and shop displays.

There are countless variations of Willow baskets depending on the combination of Willow variety.	A variety of baskets used in a local market

Found MUJI: MUJI Emporium

Level 2, Emporium Shopping Centre, 287 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, 3000
(▸ Store information)

Found MUJI: MUJI The Galeries

1 The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
(▸ Store information)