The history bit....
Wicker has been around for centuries and probably originated in Egypt where baskets and furniture were made out of reeds from the Nile.
Due to it's lightweight nature it was easy transportable and as the eastern civilisations headed westwards to Europe, they brought their wicker items with them.
Wicker and rattan are almost synonymous, Rattan is the name given to approximately 600 reeds and palms originating from Africa, Asia and Australasia
Originally made from plant fibres woven into sturdy baskets and other items, in more recent times it is also made from plastic fibres that are cheap to manufacture and easy to manipulate into shape.
Probably the most easily recognisable wicker style chair is the Lloyd Loom. Using a process of weaving twisted paper and wire on a solid beech-wood frame which was invented by American Marshall.B.Lloyd in 1917.
In Britain, wicker became very popular amongst the Arts & Craft movement towards the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Century. As a reaction to Industrialisation, the Arts & Craft 'trend' celebrated traditional craftsmanship and simple, romantic forms of decoration.
Wicker Today
In recent times wicker and rattan have seen a revival. It's lightweight, easy to clean makeup means it is perfect for conservatory or outdoor furniture, and with more and more people expanding their homes into their gardens it can only grow further.
Indoors wicker baskets are perfect for use in any room, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms to store blankets, towels, linen, magazines, just about anything.
And what picnic would be complete without a traditional wicker picnic basket, just perfect ....
For a look at the wicker products Oxala currently has to offer, just follow this link ... Oxala