Wicker is a small, flexible branch or twig, usually of willow, that can be woven to make baskets, furniture, and other objects. The term wicker also refers to any basket like furniture or accessory. Some wicker objects are woven from such plant materials as bamboo, cane, rattan, and reed, and from artificial fibres.
Wicker furniture is made by weaving the material around a sturdy frame. Wicker is loosely woven and allows air to circulate, making such furniture especially suitable for hot areas. Wicker is also lightweight and extremely durable.
Wicker chair were made in ancient Egypt. During the 1800′s, wicker chairs and tables became popular in Europe and the United States. Each piece was handmade and took several days to complete. As the costs of labour and materials rose, manufacturers sought less expensive ways of making wicker objects. They developed an artificial fibre from specially treated twisted paper or usually called loom. They also began to weave wicker on looms. Today, however, some wicker objects are still made by hand, mostly in Asian countries.