Willow flower or vegetable carriers

Hi,
I have a couple willow flower or vegetable carriers. I have to admit neither my mom or myself know what they are or used for. One is big compared to the other one. The big ones dimensions are 19 ½” x 15 ½” x 5 ¼” while the little ones dimensions are 7” x 5” x 2 ½”. What does one call these items and what were they used for? What is the foam stuck on the bottom of the big one used for? Also, I was wondering origin of country, how old, type of wood used in making it and worth?
Thank you for your assistance in this request. Rob

 

I have the identical large basket, but in better condition. Purchased new in the mid-70s to use as a floor magazine holder. The foam was probably put on to keep it from leaning/rocking on a wood floor. The small one is from the same era and would hold letters/small items on a table/counter top.

 

I always loved these, and as wisc said, they were very popular in the 70s. They were all over the Western world, and could have been made in any Western country where they have willows.
These are still being made near me in the southern Netherlands, and no doubt elsewhere as well.

 

Yes, willow. Traditionally used as a gathering/flower basket for long stemmed things.

 

I always called that shaped basket a trug. And while I was searching the internet to make sure someone else did too, I came across this fun web site from the UK. All baskets, all the time. (Unfortunately, most, regardless of their traditional shape, are made in China these days.)

https://www.kosmopolitan.co.uk/?s=trug&x=0&y=0&post_type=product

Debora

 

Ours held the logs for the fireplace.