2/13/2011

Baskets


Are you a Basket Case ?

Even before humankind invented the wheel, baskets and other containers were invented.  Whether they were man-made artifacts or containers that were nature-made, our ancestors saw the need to have vessels and containers to store, carry, and safeguard food and other items. Some even used a type of basket to carry their young ones.  Pods from fruits, bark of trees, large leaves, and even animal innards, were used as vessels and containers.

Somewhere along the way, baskets and containers from leaves, twigs and other natural fibers were created.  Although at first they may have been rustic and created  out of necessity, they gradually became elaborate, decorative and finally elevated to an art form.



Metal mussel harvest baskets 
Belgium and North France


Although the material may vary, given the geography of each culture and the natural resources available, most, if not all cultures have some form or forms of baskets.  Some may be from natural fibers and some from synthetic and man created materials, but baskets abound in our global community.  From the basic reed utilitarian basket, to the sublime work of the Zulu of Africa, the Incas to the Pacific Islanders of Tonga.




Wire mushroom harvest baskets France


For us, at Atelier de Campagne, baskets, whether fancy or simple can be both functional or used to add an aesthetic touch to your home.  A French mussel basket can easily be used to store firewood, or as a baby's laundry basket, but it can also just hang somewhere in a country kitchen and add a touch of age and nostalgia to the ambiance.  An old mushroom basket can be used to carry those delectable organic veggies you buy at the Farmer's Market, or be used as a center piece filled with luscious Brier lemons.  Baskets always add a touch of warmth and beauty to a home.



Just got these in 2 days ago,  on time before we load container this week, 
have not been able to find out what they were use for.


Don`t need to explain what they are used for in the boulangeries


Wicker laundry baskets 


Also a baguette basket used in the french bakeries 


These sturdy baskets were used to carry grapes 
in the champagne area Reims, France


Metal basket used to harvest oysters on the island Ile de Rê, France 


Heavy metal baskets used in the weaving industry

These are some of the different types of baskets that we at Atelier de Campagne like to collect in our buying trips through the Old World to bring to the U.S.  Let us know how you use your baskets and if possible send us photos to our e-mail address: infoatelierdc@gmail.com



Large metal basket that hold and protect large glass wine bottles in France



13 comments:

Divine Theatre said...

Oh! The possibilities!

Acquired Objects said...

I have baskets everywhere keeping my life organized and they're all European antiques, they're the best kind! I could always use a few more but you're so far away!

Faded Charm said...

I recently stumbled across your lovley blog and I'm in love with your style. I'd love one of each of these baskets....one can never have enough.

I've enjoyed looking through some of your previous post and especially love your little garden shed. I'm going to go back now and look through more.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

xoxo
Kathleen

lvroftiques said...

If I haven't said it before I'll say it now...Your blog is dreamy!!
If I lived anywhere near your store I'd be bankrupt *winks* Love the old baskets. I use them for display in my home, as well as for laundry. I adore the texture they bring. Vanna

blossoms vintage chic said...

I'm definately a basket case...love them all!! Trinidad it was such a pleasure to meet you at the Long Beach Flea Market...your booth was just incredible!! I'm still dreaming about those beautiful doors...hoping you will be back soon!
xx
Debbie

Unknown said...

me encantan todos!!!! cuanta inspiracion, me encanta este blog

Atelier de Campagne said...

Baskets and more baskets on the horizon folks....won't you come up and see us some time....

Thanks for following our blog.

Trinidad Johan and Martin

Anonymous said...

If I wasn,t a basket case before I am now these beauties are so Lush!thankyou for sharing will be back for more!

Atelier de Campagne said...

Thank you for your comments. Upcoming events for us include, Alameda Antique Fair, our new container sale which just arrived full of French and other European beauties, Long Beach Antique Market, Petaluma Street Faire, and participating in the Remnants or the Past in Nipomo on April 30th. Check out web site for details.

Cheers!

DustyLu said...

I love all these baskets! Thank you for sharing these. I wanted to do this!!! LOL, It was so fun to see you guys and thank you for my gift. I will be doing Part 2 of Remnants and of course I saved the best for last. I can't wait to show you studs off! I am still going to do a baskets post and steal your pictures! Ha!!! Hugs lulu

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TWISTED VIXEN ELEGANCE said...

LOVE YOUR BLOG!! Do you happen to sell any of your baskets?? I love that large one!! I'm trying to find one and use as a Christmas tree stand.