Joyce Country Skib

Approximate Dimensions:

47cm diameter 7cm height.

-Traditional Irish Skib, also known as a Ciseog or Cisean depending on what part of Ireland you are from. Traditionally this basket was used for straining potatoes when the dinner was ready. The spuds were tipped onto the basket for straining and then placed in the middle of the table/floor. The skib was subsequently hung on the wall to dry afterwards. This symbol of the skib hanging on the wall has become a decorative feature in Irish homes in recent years, hence the beautiful colours basket makers are now using to make them with. All colours are achieved naturally by using different varieties of willow and other methods like steaming the rods.

NOTE: Only a limited number of these are made each year, although I have a standardised size for baskets I can’t guarantee the same colour each time, apologies about this but I only work with what is in season at the time and the colours that are available to me.

As a general rule of thumb when making baskets, I try to at least make it out of two colours and I never make the same basket twice. Each one made is entirely unique but I can roughly guarantee standardised sizes of within 2cm of variance.