Antique & Vintage Baskets from the Poitou Charentes region of France & beyond

My shop has evolved from my love of the antique and vintage baskets I find, in the beautiful Poitou Charentes region of France, where I live. I love the fact that every basket is unique and hand crafted. So you will never find another basket, exactly the same. Every basket is washed gently and dried in the French sunshine.
I hope you will find something special in my shop, that will be treasured in your home.
I am constantly looking for beautiful and practical baskets, that can be used in the home and garden. Baskets also look wonderful, displayed at Weddings and special occasions.
If you would like to buy more than one item, I will always try and combine the shipping where possible.

The French have a special love affair with the basket. Over the centuries, the basket has been used by households rich and poor, in the city and country, carried by men and women: a simple, universal, utilitarian item. The trade of basket making, is recorded since the late 11th century in France, and over the ages, it became highly specialized, within different regions of France and by intended use, including: harvesting grapes (each wine region has their own unique basket shape and name), picking olives and gathering lavender, carrying glasses and bottles, making bread (in baskets with canvas lining); carrying eggs or freshly caught fish (various fish have unique baskets); raising chickens, storing wine (in glass jars covered with basketry to keep the light out); carrying firemen’s water (in a zinc-lined basket); carrying clean or soiled laundry…you get the idea.

I have three Etsy shops
www.lavannerie.com
www.poitoubrocante.com
www.religiousantiquties.com