“Korbflechterei / Basket Weaving” Wicker Weaving (1930)

Synopsis

This charming, silent German educational film shows the traditional methods used to create wicker furniture from reed rope. Wicker is a material made of plant stalks, branches or shoots formed by a kind of weaving into a rigid material, most often used for baskets or furniture. Wicker is traditionally made of material of plant origin, but plastic fibers are now also used. Wicker is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for furniture that will be moved often like porch and patio furniture. A variety of plants are used, from reeds, grasses (including bamboo), creepers such as rattan, and thin tree branches, especially willow. Rushwork and wickerwork are terms used in England. The film shows basket weaving in the German Franken district. Footage highlights traditional methods of weaving baskets from salix plucked from the beds of the Main river as well as a rural lifestyle deeply embedded in artisan craftsmanship. German title cards provide context to silent scenes. It shows the process of weaving wicker baskets and furniture beginning with the harvest of salix rods. It continues to follow a group of artisans as they trim and soak the rods, select proper sizes for various furniture pieces or baskets, form frames, basket walls, handles and the iconic wicker chairs. Wicker was traditionally formed through natural sources including plant stalks and shoots. Modern methods often employ the use of plastic. Wicker furniture is considerable light and sturdy; ideal for outdoor use.…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time

10 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage