The French Basket - Panier Français
Paniers Français
Whenever I’m in France, I’m always drawn to the baskets. The beautiful textures and little imperfections tell stories of handcrafting and use from years past, making each one special. Whether you’re drawn to their rustic charm or appreciate their versatility — from foraging flowers to timeless décor — these baskets offer both beauty and functionality.
If you plan to start a collection or you’re curious about the old baskets you already own, read on to become a true connoisseur.
Materials & Styles
Old French baskets were made with different materials, woven with rattan, willow, grass, straw, wood, or wire, with leather or porcelain added for special purposes. The style of weave depends on the use, with sticks added for strength and stability, and different patterns of twisting, wrapping, and braiding for decorative charm.
Wicker Patinas
Most of the wicker baskets we find are typically woven with willow rods and sometimes rattan, left in their natural brown color. Fun fact: rattan is stiffer than willow and needs to be steamed before bending! Did you know that peeled willow gives baskets a lighter blonde color? We especially love baskets that have remnants of old decorative paint or markings. No matter the color, the aged patinas make each one unique!
Wooden Baskets
Splint baskets are made by weaving flat strips of shaved wood. Sturdy splint baskets are perfect for picnics and apple picking!
Wooden baskets that are not woven are often called caddies or trugs. These baskets are all unique, with markings on the wood from years of use, and different handles made with wire, strips of metal, or bent wood.
Wire Baskets
Wire baskets are made with different coil gauges (thickness). Finer wire is best for detailed loops and scrolls, while heavier coils are best for sturdiness. Wire baskets with open weaves are best for air circulation.
Uses
☙ Champagne Harvesting Baskets: Traditionally used for gathering champagne grapes, these large baskets are ideal for harvest time. Wooden runners can often be found on the base for the basket to stand on the ground once filled with grapes. Some even have leather straps to be carried like a backpack!
☙ Double Bustle Baskets: These small baskets with 2 sections are also known as champignon (mushroom) baskets, used to collect mushrooms or berries.
☙ Wooden Berry Baskets: With a shallow wooden base and tall handle, these are used for foraging berries, and are also perfect for gathering flowers, herbs, or small fruit.
☙ Market Baskets: Ideal for shopping trips, these classic baskets are easy to carry groceries or farmer’s market finds.
☙ Covered Picnic Baskets: These wonderful baskets usually have 2 split lids, hinged at the center. Pie baskets have wooden supports so freshly made pies will sit straight in the basket!
☙ Fishing Creels: Fisherman used wicker creels as a coolers, lining them with moss to keep the catch chilled. For heavier fish, a large collapsible wire mesh basket was used.
☙ Bread Baskets: Designed for carrying and serving bread, from baguettes to boules. Traditional baskets used to proof and cool loaves of bread in French boulangeries (bakeries) had linen linings hand-sewn into the basket.
☙ Wire Harvest Baskets: These versatile baskets have an open wire weave and are used for foraging flowers and vegetables as well as carrying shellfish.
☙ Wine Bottle Baskets: Wine bottle carriers are specifically designed to safely transport wine bottles, often used during wine tastings or picnics. Wine cradles are used for pouring wine at the table.
☙ Laundry Baskets: These tall baskets have 2 handles and an open weave, making them lightweight for carrying clothing and linens.
☙ Egg Baskets / Salad Baskets: Traditionally used to collect and transport eggs, these baskets have open designs for airflow to keep eggs safe and fresh. The round styles are also called salad baskets, used for washing lettuce and vegetables.
☙ Winnowing Baskets: Shallow tightly woven winnowing baskets were used to separate wheat from the chaff by a person known as a vanneur (winnower).
☙ Hanging Baskets: Baskets that hang on walls can be used to hold plants, letters, and other household items.
Antique paniers Français (French baskets) are a beloved staple at Les Fleurs! If you’re a fellow basket enthusiast, we’d love to see how you style your collection! Share your photos with us on Instagram @lesfleursandover!
XOXO,
Sandra and the Fleurettes
This primitive handwoven willow gathering basket has a beautiful weathered patina and a unique wedge shape with sloped sides, God’s eye lashing, and a flat handle. Perfect for carrying through the garden when foraging. Display fruit, dried flowers or almost anything in this wnderful basket. Flowers and additional items shown are sold separately.
20” D x 9” H
Antique item, imported from France.
Please note that all Les Fleurs vintage and one-of-a-kind antique items are unique in both their character and weathering which represents their historical significance.