That woven, criss-cross texture running through a piece of glass has a name, basketweave, and it's one of the most eye-catching worked-glass patterns around. On Encore's Basketweave Henny line, it turns a bong into a genuine piece of craftsmanship. Here's what a basketweave bong is, how the pattern is made, and why it's so prized.
What is a basketweave bong?
A basketweave bong is a piece featuring a woven, basket-like glass pattern, interlacing strands of glass that cross over and under each other to form a textured, three-dimensional weave. Like reticello, it's decorative worked glass that signals real skill. It doesn't change how the bong hits; it's about artistry, texture and standout looks. You'll see it on Encore's Henny pounders and bubblers.
How basketweave glass is made
Basketweave is a hands-on, skill-intensive technique. The artist works strands or ribbons of glass and interlaces them in a woven, over-under pattern around the body of the piece, much like weaving a real basket. Keeping the weave even and clean across a curved surface takes precision and experience, which is exactly why a well-executed basketweave stands out. Often the strands are colored so the weave pops against the clear glass.
Why basketweave is prized
- Craftsmanship. A clean, even weave shows genuine glassworking skill, you can't fake it.
- Texture and depth. The over-under pattern gives the glass a tactile, 3D quality that flat designs can't match.
- Uniqueness. Every hand-woven piece is one of a kind.
As with color and reticello, basketweave is about beauty, not function, the same quality borosilicate hits just as smooth whether plain or woven. See do colored glass bongs affect quality and what actually makes a bong high quality.
The Basketweave Henny line
Encore pairs the basketweave pattern with its signature Hennessy base in pieces like the Basketweave Henny Pounder and Basketweave Henny Pounder Bubbler, thick, heavy glass with a woven texture and a bold, bottle-inspired silhouette. As the "Pounder" name signals, these are heavy, substantial builds, see what is a pounder bong. It's a design that's as much display piece as daily driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is a basketweave bong?
It's a bong with a woven, basket-like glass pattern, strands of glass interlaced over and under each other for a textured, three-dimensional look. It's decorative worked glass that showcases skill, and it doesn't affect how the bong functions.
How is basketweave glass made?
An artist interlaces strands or ribbons of glass in a woven, over-under pattern around the piece, like weaving a basket. Keeping the weave clean and even on a curved surface takes real precision, which is what makes a good basketweave impressive.
Does basketweave change how a bong hits?
No. Basketweave is purely decorative, it's about artistry and texture, not function. A quality borosilicate bong hits just as smooth whether it's plain or woven; the pattern simply adds beauty and craftsmanship.
Is basketweave like reticello?
They're cousins, both are skill-intensive worked-glass patterns that add beauty rather than function. Reticello creates a fine netted grid with trapped bubbles, while basketweave creates a bolder, tactile over-under woven texture.
What is a Basketweave Henny?
It's Encore's pairing of the basketweave pattern with its Hennessy-base shape, thick, heavy glass with a woven texture and a bold, bottle-inspired silhouette, available in pounder and bubbler styles.
Shop artisan Encore glass
A basketweave bong is craftsmanship you can see and feel, woven texture that marks real skill. Explore our glass bongs and colored glass bongs for pieces with standout detail.
