The Thao baskets are a joyful reinvention of the utilitarian produce baskets traditionally used in Vietnamese street markets. Città designer Nikolai Sorensen drew inspiration from a year spent living in Vietnam, where daily visits to bustling local street markets became a family ritual.
Traditionally, Vietnamese produce baskets are wide, shallow forms handwoven from bamboo. In recent years, these have largely been replaced by brightly coloured plastic alternatives. The Thao basket captures this collision of tradition and modernity—honouring the heritage of handwoven basketry while embracing the vibrant, contemporary colour palette of today’s markets.
The design is constructed using interlaced bamboo ribbons, resulting in a lightweight yet durable form. The baskets are handwoven in a small village in Northern Vietnam using techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is one of a kind, reflecting the maker’s unique rhythm, skill, and artistry—qualities that can only be found in handcrafted work.
A key part of the design is the dynamic colour palette. The bold primary tones—cobalt blue, citrus yellow, and verdant green—are balanced by more muted lavender and the natural tone of bamboo. This thoughtful combination creates a design that feels joyful yet refined, showcasing the potential of colour as a central design element.
The baskets have been well received both as functional objects and as sculputrual pieces. They celebrate a harmonious union of tradition and innovation, celebrating the skill of craftsmanship, everyday rituals, and the joy of colour.
Description:
The Thao baskets are a joyful reinvention of the utilitarian produce baskets traditionally used in Vietnamese street markets. Città designer Nikolai Sorensen drew inspiration from a year spent living in Vietnam, where daily visits to bustling local street markets became a family ritual.
Traditionally, Vietnamese produce baskets are wide, shallow forms handwoven from bamboo. In recent years, these have largely been replaced by brightly coloured plastic alternatives. The Thao basket captures this collision of tradition and modernity—honouring the heritage of handwoven basketry while embracing the vibrant, contemporary colour palette of today’s markets.
The design is constructed using interlaced bamboo ribbons, resulting in a lightweight yet durable form. The baskets are handwoven in a small village in Northern Vietnam using techniques passed down through generations. Each piece is one of a kind, reflecting the maker’s unique rhythm, skill, and artistry—qualities that can only be found in handcrafted work.
A key part of the design is the dynamic colour palette. The bold primary tones—cobalt blue, citrus yellow, and verdant green—are balanced by more muted lavender and the natural tone of bamboo. This thoughtful combination creates a design that feels joyful yet refined, showcasing the potential of colour as a central design element.
The baskets have been well received both as functional objects and as sculputrual pieces. They celebrate a harmonious union of tradition and innovation, celebrating the skill of craftsmanship, everyday rituals, and the joy of colour.