Rush Fruit Basket

by Organic Arts

Description

Handmade rush fruit basket/ storage basket.

Approx 12cm (h) x 30cm (w) x 24cm (d)

Each piece is handmade by Organic Arts in Tonciu, Bistrița-Năsăud in North Transylvania, Romania.

Rush weaving is a centuries old traditional craft. It is said that there was a lake near to the village of Tonciu where the inhabitants of the village used to go to collect the rush needed for the craft. Today, this lake no longer exists, but the people have not given up the craft, they travel several hundred kilometres to bring rush from other parts of Romania.

Tonciu is now a place where rush weaving is one of the main occupations of the people and the people are exceptionally skilled at the craft.

Every year from the beginning of August until late Autumn, the rush begins to be harvested from different places, as rush doesn't grow in the same place every year. During this time the village is left without men, as they go to collect enough raw material to last for for a whole year. The rush is cut with a sickle, often the people work in mud and cold water to the knees or even waist. The cut rush is pulled out of the lake and tied in "skirts" with a circumference of 1m. From this around 10 baskets can be woven. It is then transported by cart, truck or train back to the village.

At home it is unpacked and left to dry for a few days and stored in at attic or a barn. The preparation of the rush for weaving begins in the evening. It is watered and then covered so that it becomes softer and is easier to weave. From here it is woven into various products such as shopping baskets, bread or fruit baskets, boxes, hats, slippers, flower pots and many more.

RO: Cos de Papură pentru Fructe

Origin

Tonciu, Bistrița-Năsăud, Romania