This is a willow basket called “Kablacok,” made in Luchmia, a village along the Vistula River, which flows north–south across central Poland in a wide curve.
It is a basket unique to Luchmia, with a flat back and little feet, giving it a distinctive shape.
Locally, it is used for harvesting, carrying, and storing vegetables and fruit—especially potatoes and apples.
Above (right) is a photo of the willow. The materials used for Kablacok come from both cultivated and wild sources.
The willows used for European basketry grow upright in clumps, like rice plants. Clump growth means that several stems rise together from the base of a single root.
And even among willows, there are many varieties, differing in the color and thickness of their branches.
Freshly cut branches may be yellowish, or show strong red tones, or have a beautiful green.
This is the frame that forms the base of the Kablacok basket.
First this shape is made, and then thin willow rods are woven onto it. Starting with the frame itself feels like a distinctly European way of making, something not seen in Japan.
In Japanese basketry, the uprights and weavers that form the frame are usually crossed at the base and woven together at the same time, creating the shape of the basket as it is built. So when you think about the difference, it is very interesting.
That said, even within Europe, baskets made of bulrush are woven up from the base in the same way as in Japan—so perhaps it also relates to the nature of willow as a plant.
Here, the horizontal weavers are crossed over the uprights, tightening the weave of the basket.
This is the base of the Kablacok being made.
In Poland, some Kablacok baskets are very large, made for serious harvesting. But in our shop, from among the many sizes that exist, we introduce three relatively small types.
There are three sizes: S, M, and L.
The willow is either home-grown or gathered wild along the Vistula River, and the branches are woven with their bark still on. Weaving is mainly winter work.Freshly cut, the branches may be bright green or yellowish, but before long they change into shades of brown or reddish tones.Because willow branches taper toward the tips, you can see both thicker and thinner parts on the basket sides.The color of willow branches is not uniform—some are more reddish, others more yellowish—so each finished basket has its own variation of tones. Please note this in advance.Here is the rim. The vertical rods that form the basket sides are woven back into the rim to finish it.Seen from above, the rim is solidly made.Here is the bow-shaped handle. For harvesting, it can be slipped over the arm, and in the larger sizes even over the shoulder.With its flat back, the basket hangs neatly against a wall, making it suitable for storage as well.Here is the joint where the handle meets the rim.The U-shaped handle, made of willow, is fixed in place as the sides are woven.The handle also serves as the two rear legs.Another willow rod running across the front becomes the front leg, giving the basket its characteristic three-legged form.The three sizes can be nested together.Now, let us look at each size. This is the S size.It works well for placing planters, or for storing round root vegetables like potatoes and onions.This is the M size.It is a good size for keeping plenty of vegetables like potatoes and onions, fruit such as oranges, or other food supplies.This is the L size.Compared to the large baskets used for harvesting locally, this one is smaller, but still a sizeable piece with real presence.It can be used for storing toys such as stuffed animals, or for keeping seasonings and emergency food.
In the region, this basket is in high demand especially during potato planting and harvesting, and for picking apples, and it is said to be sold in markets around Luchmia village.
In Luchmia, nearly every household is involved in making or selling willow baskets and fences, or in cultivating willow.
The average age of basket makers is in their seventies.
The aging of artisans is the same situation as in Japan, but in 2017 this basket was inscribed as part of Poland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
An everyday scene in Poland: it is also used as a laundry basket.
These three sizes of Kablacok are ones we hope to see passed on to the next generation.
Please choose the size that best suits you.
Photo credit: Serfenta
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a willow basket called “Kablacok,” made in Luchmia, a village along the Vistula River, which flows north–south across central Poland in a wide curve.
It is a basket unique to Luchmia, with a flat back and little feet, giving it a distinctive shape.
Locally, it is used for harvesting, carrying, and storing vegetables and fruit—especially potatoes and apples.
Above (right) is a photo of the willow. The materials used for Kablacok come from both cultivated and wild sources.
The willows used for European basketry grow upright in clumps, like rice plants. Clump growth means that several stems rise together from the base of a single root.
And even among willows, there are many varieties, differing in the color and thickness of their branches.
Freshly cut branches may be yellowish, or show strong red tones, or have a beautiful green.
This is the frame that forms the base of the Kablacok basket.
First this shape is made, and then thin willow rods are woven onto it. Starting with the frame itself feels like a distinctly European way of making, something not seen in Japan.
In Japanese basketry, the uprights and weavers that form the frame are usually crossed at the base and woven together at the same time, creating the shape of the basket as it is built. So when you think about the difference, it is very interesting.
That said, even within Europe, baskets made of bulrush are woven up from the base in the same way as in Japan—so perhaps it also relates to the nature of willow as a plant.
Here, the horizontal weavers are crossed over the uprights, tightening the weave of the basket.
This is the base of the Kablacok being made.
In Poland, some Kablacok baskets are very large, made for serious harvesting. But in our shop, from among the many sizes that exist, we introduce three relatively small types.
There are three sizes: S, M, and L.
The willow is either home-grown or gathered wild along the Vistula River, and the branches are woven with their bark still on. Weaving is mainly winter work.Freshly cut, the branches may be bright green or yellowish, but before long they change into shades of brown or reddish tones.Because willow branches taper toward the tips, you can see both thicker and thinner parts on the basket sides.The color of willow branches is not uniform—some are more reddish, others more yellowish—so each finished basket has its own variation of tones. Please note this in advance.Here is the rim. The vertical rods that form the basket sides are woven back into the rim to finish it.Seen from above, the rim is solidly made.Here is the bow-shaped handle. For harvesting, it can be slipped over the arm, and in the larger sizes even over the shoulder.With its flat back, the basket hangs neatly against a wall, making it suitable for storage as well.Here is the joint where the handle meets the rim.The U-shaped handle, made of willow, is fixed in place as the sides are woven.The handle also serves as the two rear legs.Another willow rod running across the front becomes the front leg, giving the basket its characteristic three-legged form.The three sizes can be nested together.Now, let us look at each size. This is the S size.It works well for placing planters, or for storing round root vegetables like potatoes and onions.This is the M size.It is a good size for keeping plenty of vegetables like potatoes and onions, fruit such as oranges, or other food supplies.This is the L size.Compared to the large baskets used for harvesting locally, this one is smaller, but still a sizeable piece with real presence.It can be used for storing toys such as stuffed animals, or for keeping seasonings and emergency food.
In the region, this basket is in high demand especially during potato planting and harvesting, and for picking apples, and it is said to be sold in markets around Luchmia village.
In Luchmia, nearly every household is involved in making or selling willow baskets and fences, or in cultivating willow.
The average age of basket makers is in their seventies.
The aging of artisans is the same situation as in Japan, but in 2017 this basket was inscribed as part of Poland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
An everyday scene in Poland: it is also used as a laundry basket.
These three sizes of Kablacok are ones we hope to see passed on to the next generation.
Please choose the size that best suits you.
Photo credit: Serfenta
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a willow basket called “Kablacok,” made in Luchmia, a village along the Vistula River, which flows north–south across central Poland in a wide curve.
It is a basket unique to Luchmia, with a flat back and little feet, giving it a distinctive shape.
Locally, it is used for harvesting, carrying, and storing vegetables and fruit—especially potatoes and apples.
Above (right) is a photo of the willow. The materials used for Kablacok come from both cultivated and wild sources.
The willows used for European basketry grow upright in clumps, like rice plants. Clump growth means that several stems rise together from the base of a single root.
And even among willows, there are many varieties, differing in the color and thickness of their branches.
Freshly cut branches may be yellowish, or show strong red tones, or have a beautiful green.
This is the frame that forms the base of the Kablacok basket.
First this shape is made, and then thin willow rods are woven onto it. Starting with the frame itself feels like a distinctly European way of making, something not seen in Japan.
In Japanese basketry, the uprights and weavers that form the frame are usually crossed at the base and woven together at the same time, creating the shape of the basket as it is built. So when you think about the difference, it is very interesting.
That said, even within Europe, baskets made of bulrush are woven up from the base in the same way as in Japan—so perhaps it also relates to the nature of willow as a plant.
Here, the horizontal weavers are crossed over the uprights, tightening the weave of the basket.
This is the base of the Kablacok being made.
In Poland, some Kablacok baskets are very large, made for serious harvesting. But in our shop, from among the many sizes that exist, we introduce three relatively small types.
There are three sizes: S, M, and L.
The willow is either home-grown or gathered wild along the Vistula River, and the branches are woven with their bark still on. Weaving is mainly winter work.Freshly cut, the branches may be bright green or yellowish, but before long they change into shades of brown or reddish tones.Because willow branches taper toward the tips, you can see both thicker and thinner parts on the basket sides.The color of willow branches is not uniform—some are more reddish, others more yellowish—so each finished basket has its own variation of tones. Please note this in advance.Here is the rim. The vertical rods that form the basket sides are woven back into the rim to finish it.Seen from above, the rim is solidly made.Here is the bow-shaped handle. For harvesting, it can be slipped over the arm, and in the larger sizes even over the shoulder.With its flat back, the basket hangs neatly against a wall, making it suitable for storage as well.Here is the joint where the handle meets the rim.The U-shaped handle, made of willow, is fixed in place as the sides are woven.The handle also serves as the two rear legs.Another willow rod running across the front becomes the front leg, giving the basket its characteristic three-legged form.The three sizes can be nested together.Now, let us look at each size. This is the S size.It works well for placing planters, or for storing round root vegetables like potatoes and onions.This is the M size.It is a good size for keeping plenty of vegetables like potatoes and onions, fruit such as oranges, or other food supplies.This is the L size.Compared to the large baskets used for harvesting locally, this one is smaller, but still a sizeable piece with real presence.It can be used for storing toys such as stuffed animals, or for keeping seasonings and emergency food.
In the region, this basket is in high demand especially during potato planting and harvesting, and for picking apples, and it is said to be sold in markets around Luchmia village.
In Luchmia, nearly every household is involved in making or selling willow baskets and fences, or in cultivating willow.
The average age of basket makers is in their seventies.
The aging of artisans is the same situation as in Japan, but in 2017 this basket was inscribed as part of Poland’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
An everyday scene in Poland: it is also used as a laundry basket.
These three sizes of Kablacok are ones we hope to see passed on to the next generation.
Please choose the size that best suits you.
Photo credit: Serfenta
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
