Summary of Basketry in Villaines les rochers - France - The culture, the Know-how of basket makers

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The video explores the rich history and techniques used by the basket weaving community in Villaines les Rochers, France, which dates back to 1849 when Father Jonah Hong Shi Quan founded the community. Today, the co-operative has grown to include 40 members who cultivate and transform locally grown willow into a variety of products, working with designers and architects to diversify their offerings. Skilled basket weaving requires years of training and practice, including solid knowledge of manipulating wicker using different weaving techniques. The cooperative's use of living willow and chestnut has become popular for creating hedges, flower beds, and urban furniture. The tradition of basket weaving in Villaines les Rochers will continue thanks to the new generation of passionate basket weavers.

• 00:00:00 In this section, we learn about the history and techniques of the basket weaving community in Villaines les Rochers, France. The craft tradition dates back to 1849, when Father Jonah Hong Shi Quan founded the community, which has since grown into a cooperative of 40 members. Willow is cultivated and transformed locally, with 10 different varieties of the tree used for basket weaving. The willow is stripped, dried, and stored in attics before the basket weavers take over to create a variety of products, working with designers and architects to diversify their offerings. The community's passion for basket weaving is passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the tradition survives and thrives.
• 00:05:00 In this section, it is explained that basket weaving requires years of hard work and training to master, including at least five years of practice. Being a skilled basket weaver means having a solid knowledge of how to manipulate wicker to create a variety of items using different weaving techniques. The work requires only simple tools, but the techniques used are many and varied. The co-operative has collaborated with luxury product designers and architects to create exceptional objects for interior and exterior decoration. The co-operative’s use of living willow and chestnut are becoming increasingly popular for the fabrication of hedges, flower beds, and urban furniture. The co-operative is founded on solidarity and has a long-standing tradition that has been passed down for generations, ensuring high-quality products will continue to be made in the future thanks to the new generation of passionate basket weavers.