About Wicker

The art of wicker weaving is probably one of the oldest human pursuits. It is older than the pottery craft. The principles developed in wicker weaving were subsequently applied in cloth-making. It is apparently the only craft that has survived unchanged to the present day.

Wicker, flexible willow twigs, is collected by hand in the spring time before buds swell or in the fall before trees begin to shed leaves. After wetting or steaming, twigs are cleaned of the bark. In some cases they are split into narrow bands, then graded by thickness, dried and stored in bundles.

Before weaving, twigs are again wetted to make them flexible. Then comes the most important stage, creation of wickerwork things, when craftsmen apply all their skill and ingenuity, the warmth of their hands and allegiance to tradition.

Various weaving techniques - diamond, stitch and knot patterns, etc. - are used to make baskets, sweets and fruit bowls and other things. Many other natural materials such as birch bark and straw are also applied in the making of wickerwork articles and, coupled with a combination of weaves, help the weaver to produce a diversity of artistic patterns, while always preserving traditional weaving techniques and craftsmanship. The range of colors depends on the natural color of the willow twigs used in weaving and also contributes to artistic diversity.

Wickerwork articles exude a pleasant aroma and tend to turn somewhat reddish in the course of three years.

Wickerwork is distinct for being light and pliable, yet durable. Since the invention of the first ever balloon all aeronauts have invariably favored wicker baskets as best-suited to cushion the impact on landing. Quality wicker furniture is capable to withstand a weight of 150-300 kg.

Wicker baskets are invaluable for storing and preserving onions, garlic, potatoes and other vegetables for a long time as the basket surface is not chemically treated and the wicker freely "breathes" ensuring the optimum humidity.

There is virtually nothing that can beat the laundry wicker basket in the bathroom. The laundry remains ventilated even if kept there for a long time owing to spaces between the twigs. Meanwhile, the combination of wood texture and ceramic tiles continues to inspire interior designers across the world.

With reasonable care, wicker articles can serve for twenty years and more.

Wicker works are readily cleaned with salt and soap solutions with a few drops of liquid ammonia.

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