In our region, wicker is more than just a material — it’s a symbol of local identity and pride. The history of wickerwork here dates back to the 19th century, when Count Ferdynand Hompesch, the owner of the Rudnik estate, sought new sources of income for the local community. In 1872, he sent a group of talented young men to Vienna to learn the art of basket weaving. Upon their return in 1878, he founded a basketry school in Rudnik nad Sanem.
Before long, handcrafted items made by local artisans were being sold through department stores in Vienna and Prague. This marked the beginning of Rudnik’s reputation as a leading center of wickerwork, with its products gaining recognition across Europe.
Craftsmen from the region became known for their precision, durability, and refined aesthetic.
Today, the tradition is still going strong — kept alive not only by older generations, but also by younger people who are eager to learn the craft. Thanks to them, the Subcarpathian wickerwork hub continues to thrive as a vibrant center of basketry culture in Poland.
