Mojaebi Willow Basket - Small

Willow Basketry by Master Kye Il Kim

For over sixty years, master artisan Kye Il Kim has dedicated his life to the craft of traditional Korean willow basketry. Today, he is among the last remaining makers preserving this centuries-old tradition by hand.

Known as "Gori" in Korea, these woven willow containers were once found in nearly every household. They were used to store clothing, carry food for celebrations, transport meals, and organize everyday belongings. Before the widespread use of wooden cabinets and modern storage solutions, gori served as an essential part of daily life.

Each piece is woven from native Korean willow and natural vine materials harvested by hand during a short seasonal window each year. Because the willow must be collected at a specific stage of growth, production is inherently limited, and only a small number of pieces can be made annually.

While their original purpose was deeply practical, we believe these objects continue to hold value today. Whether used for storing textiles, displaying objects, organizing a home, or simply appreciated as sculptural works of craft, they represent a living tradition carried forward through use.

Every piece reflects not only remarkable craftsmanship, but also a cultural history that has been passed down through generations.

Kye Il Kim is a master artisan with more than six decades of experience crafting traditional Korean willow baskets and ki (woven strainers).

Now in his eighties, Mr. Kim continues to personally harvest wild willow and handcraft each piece using techniques passed down through generations. His work represents one of the last remaining practices of traditional Korean willow basketry, a craft that once played an essential role in everyday life throughout Korea.

Through his lifelong dedication, Mr. Kim preserves not only the physical techniques of the craft, but also the cultural knowledge and history embedded within each woven form.