Editing Wicker (section)

{{short description|Objects made by weaving or plaiting flexible twigs or osiers}}
{{about}}
[[File:Apples in basket 2018 G1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|A wicker basket filled with apples]]

'''Wicker''' is a method of weaving used to make products such as furniture and baskets, as well as a descriptor to classify such products. It is the oldest furniture making method known to history, dating as far back as {{Circa|3000 BC}}. Wicker was first documented in [[ancient Egypt]], then having been made from pliable plant material, but in modern times it is made from any pliable, easily woven material. The word ''wicker'' or "wisker" is believed to be of Scandinavian origin: {{lang|sv|vika}}, which means "to fold" in Swedish.<ref name="dictionary">{{Citation |title=The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language |url=http://www.thefreedictionary.com/wicker |year=2009 |contribution=Wicker |edition=Fourth |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company |access-date=2012-05-19}}</ref> Wicker is traditionally made of material of [[plant]] origin, such as [[willow]], [[rattan]], [[reed (plant)|reed]], and [[bamboo]], though the term also applies to products woven from [[synthetic fibers]]. Wicker is light yet sturdy, making it suitable for items that will be moved often like [[porch]] and [[patio]] furniture.<ref name="alfresia1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.alfresia.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=wicker |title=Wicker |website=Alfresia |publisher=Vale Mill (Rochdale) Ltd. |location=Manchester |access-date=25 February 2017}}</ref>  ''Rushwork'' and ''wickerwork'' are terms used in England.<ref name="arts">{{Cite book |title=The Forgotten Arts A practical guide to traditional skills |last=Seymour |first=John |date=1984 |publisher=Angus & Robertson Publishers |isbn=0-207-15007-9 |page=54}}</ref> A typical braiding pattern is called ''Wiener Geflecht'', Viennese braiding, as it was invented in 18th century Vienna and later most prominently used with the [[Gebrüder Thonet|Thonet]] coffeehouse chair.