Woven to Wooden Handicrafts
By Rufa Claire Desor
From its name alone, one anticipates a testament to fine craftsmanship of Basket and Weaves. The brand showcases their mastery of manipulating handwoven materials such as seagrass, buri, rattan, abaca, and banana bark to create their products.
Basket and Weaves offers a diverse product catalog of artistic home decor that go beyond the traditional gift baskets, organizers, and planters. The brand also offers a range of products that consists of exquisite table placemats, elegant food covers, stylish wine bottle holders, captivating pendant light shades, charming rattan Christmas trees, artisanal native bancuan ottomans, and more.
Wood-Carved Crafts
Beyond their renowned woven creations, Basket and Weaves also embraces the delicate art of wood carving. Their vintage and bohemian-inspired decor stole the spotlight at the recent edition of Manila FAME, showcasing timeless and indigenous designs that beautifully capture the essence of the Philippines' tropical nature.
Long before the advent of Spanish colonial rule, Filipinos have already been practicing the art of wood carving. Basket and Weaves makes it a point to merge indigenous motifs with contemporary trends in their designs, usually showcasing a natural, raw, blonde finish—a sought-after aesthetic in Western markets. Rooted in nature, their creations exude a distinct Filipino essence, capturing the beauty and spirit of the islands.
A charming combination of solid wood and sleek aesthetics defines its allure. The raw nature inherent of wood carving reflects the artisans' meticulous attention to detail, producing high-quality crafts that embody Filipino heritage. Despite its use of a wooden medium, the designs exude a surprising softness, thanks to their delicate hand-painted finish in warm hues that creates a captivating contrast and adds depth and charm to each statuette.
Diverging from the conventional spiritual wood figurines portraying humans or deities, Basket and Weaves also opt for avian and botanical motifs, offering a subtle decorative touch for any home. By bringing elements of the outdoors inside, they create an ambiance of tranquility that enhances the overall living environment and invites a sense of calm and connection with nature.
Basket and Weaves demonstrates the breadth of their talent, showcasing not only skilled weavers but also accomplished wood carvers within their company. As Basket and Weaves owner, Ferdinand Lupena shares, “The design is of very good value and the overall look is very artisanal.”
At the heart of the unique nature of Filipino products are the artisans who craft these handmade treasures. In addition to their woven decorative home accessories, Basket and Weaves also boasts best-selling decor that resemble birds, mushrooms, and cacti, each adding a touch of personality to any setting.
Continued Pursuit in the International Market
Basket and Weaves is a frequent exhibitor at Manila FAME for over 30 years. Their exports predominantly reach the US market, accounting for 70% of their sales, while Europe and Asia each receive a notable 15% market share.
Having achieved success in the American market, Basket and Weaves is now ready to expand in Europe. “I think we met a lot of new clients, and they had a lot of interest in our items. And we’re looking forward to doing business with the European market,” Lupena says.
The Philippines is a melting pot of diverse cultures shaped by its rich history. Filipino handicrafts beautifully exhibit elegance and tradition by utilizing locally abundant materials. By preserving the authenticity of these crafts, Basket and Weaves proudly upholds the Filipino legacy in wooden handicrafts, leaving an indelible mark on the global market.
