By BAYERN TOURISMUS Marketing GmbH
German Basket Museum
The river Main provided the perfect conditions for one of Europe's major weaving centers. Willow grew on its sandy riverbanks. Families of fishers, rafters, and smallholders learned to weave baskets to support themselves through the winter months.
In the Upper Main region, there has been evidence of basket-making since the second half of the 16th century. The trade flourished over the following centuries. Techniques were refined and basket makers became specialized. Basket-making families throughout the area concentrated on a single product, material or weaving technique.
In Michelau, fine weaving became widespread. This is very time-consuming, intricate work requiring a high degree of skill.
The willow rods are first stripped, then split lengthways.
The rods are pulled through the parallel blades of the reducing iron to ensure the willow strands are of equal strength. The smaller the strands, the finer the basket.
Fine pieces are weaved over molds placed on a stand known as the gripper.
Miniaturen (1990-2021) by Waldemar BackertOriginal Source: Deutsches Korbmuseum
Miniatures
These miniatures are a particular style of fine weaving. They are woven from very fine willow strands. The Michelau-based basket maker Waldemar Backert (born in 1931) made miniature copies of his baskets in a scale of 1:12.
Miniatur-KorbmacherstubeOriginal Source: Deutsches Korbmuseum
Basket-making parlor
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.