c.1880 Antique Elm Wood Gathering Basket With Original Iron Details

Details

Description

For your consideration... a remarkable antique gathering basket that exemplifies the extraordinary craftsmanship and enduring quality of 19th-century American utilitarian … Read more For your consideration... a remarkable antique gathering basket that exemplifies the extraordinary craftsmanship and enduring quality of 19th-century American utilitarian design.
Exceptional Materials & Construction
This handmade basket showcases the time-honored combination of elm wood and old iron details - materials chosen by craftsmen who understood that functionality and beauty were inseparable. Elm wood was prized for basket making due to its flexibility, strength, and natural resistance to splitting, while the iron reinforcements ensure structural integrity that has lasted over 140 years.
Circa: 1880
Dimensions: Approximately 15" square
Traditional Craftsmanship
Based on a very old shape and style, this gathering basket represents generations of refined design passed down through craftsmen who perfected every curve and joint. The handmade construction is evident in the subtle irregularities and organic flow that machine production could never replicate.
Built for Generations
Built to last several lifetimes, this one is still going strong years later - a testament to both the quality of materials and the skill of its maker. In an era of disposable goods, this basket stands as proof of what true craftsmanship can achieve.
Provenance
Discovered at a sophisticated estate auction on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, this gathering basket was part of an exceptional collection that included fine Buddhist sculptures, indicating the previous owner's appreciation for both functional beauty and spiritual artistry.
Versatile Beauty
While originally designed as a working gathering basket, this piece transcends its utilitarian origins to become a stunning decorative element. Perfect for:

Displaying seasonal arrangements
Storage with style in any room
Adding authentic farmhouse character
Collectors of American folk art and antiques

The Poetry of Purpose
There's something deeply satisfying about owning a piece that was made to work, made to last, and made with pride. This basket carries the honest beauty of functional design - every element serves a purpose, yet the whole achieves an elegance that purely decorative pieces often lack.
A magnificent example of American craftsmanship that brings both history and enduring style to any setting. See less