The art of weaving: basketry in home decor
Discover the art of basket weaving. From wicker to bamboo and rattan, this traditional craft brings authentic, natural beauty to home interiors.
From wicker baskets to bamboo, rattan, reeds, woven objects, and furniture, basket weaving—or basketry—takes many forms. Practiced for at least 10,000 years across the world, this ancient craft continues to add a natural, rustic touch to modern interiors.
An ancestral art
Basketry refers both to the art of weaving plant fibres and to the objects created through this technique. The French term for basketry, vannerie, derives from the word van – an agricultural tool used to separate grain from straw and chaff. This large, flat basket, usually made by weaving straw or willow, can be seen as a distant ancestor of the modern combine harvester, which later mechanized this process.
While the van is now a relic of the past, basket weaving remains a thriving craft practiced worldwide. Depending on region and tradition, artisans weave objects from a variety of natural fibres: willow, reed, palm leaves, bamboo, and many other plants and grasses.
A unique production cycle
Basketry materials are unique in that they are generally not sourced from traditional agriculture. Aside from willow, which is sometimes cultivated, most of the plants and leaves used for weaving are gathered from the wild. The craft has long depended on natural ecosystems to supply these raw materials. However, in recent years, new approaches have emerged, with recycled plastics and papers increasingly woven into designs – expanding the tradition with sustainable alternatives.
Preserving Asian expertise
Today, around 60% of the world’s basketry products are made in Asia. The leading exporters are China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. In Vietnam alone, more than 1,000 villages specialize in basket weaving, and the country’s exports continue to grow.
Through partnerships with suppliers committed to preserving this artisanal expertise—particularly in Vietnam—JJA offers a variety of woven products through its brands:
Decorative Water Hyacinth Apple Atmosphera
Over-the-Door Organizer Shelf with 3 Natural Reed Baskets 5five
Round laundry basket in steel and woven paper fibre 5five
A practical and sustainable choice
Whether used to organize your home, add stylish storage solutions, or simply add authentic charm to your living space, basketry blends function with beauty. In a world where many of us are slowing down and seeking to reconnect with what matters most, these handmade creations—crafted from natural fibres—remind us of the value of traditional craftsmanship – and bring a warm, human touch to our homes.
While the van is now a relic of the past, basket weaving remains a thriving craft practiced worldwide. Depending on region and tradition, artisans weave objects from a variety of natural fibres: willow, reed, palm leaves, bamboo, and many other plants and grasses.
