Small Skib

Skibs were a traditional basket from the West of Ireland used to strain and then serve potatoes. The skib was placed at the centre of the gathering, in some cases in place of a table, and used as a communal serving plate for potatoes. After use it was rinsed, hung on the wall and came to be seen as an integral part of cottage furnishing.     

This small skib was made by Tipperary based sculptor and basket-maker Hanna Van Aelst. Woven in hard wearing and durable willow, grown and harvested by Hanna, the different bark colours form the pattern of each unique basket. Ideal as a fruit and vegetable basket, these also look great hung on a wall, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful textures and patterns.

As these baskets are unique, the bark colours of the willow will differ on each. Dimensions: 35cm inside diameter x 7cm deep. These dimensions are approximate and will vary slightly.  

Hanna grows and harvests her own willow which is an integral part of her creative process. Inspired by her surrounding rural landscape of Tipperary, she is interested in sustainable design and a connection with the natural world in her work which is both practical and sculptural. 

Hanna learned how to make baskets more than 20 years ago as she made the transition to move to Ireland from Belgium. She bought a small run-down cottage and started to make it into a home with a productive vegetable garden, and willow beds for basket making.

Hanna only uses natural colored willow bark to bring colors into her work. No dyes. She grows all her own willow and has selected a wide range of varieties over many years that allow her to play with a beautiful diverse natural color palette.

Willow varieties produce a wonderful range of natural colours and shapes and sizes of rods. The different varieties offer endless possibilities to produce beautiful work, making use of the colour from shades of green, brown, beige and warm umbers.