Circa 1960/1970 Chinese Rattan & Bamboo Two-Tier Betrothal / Wedding Basket

Details

Description

Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

The vibrant color scheme of this mid 20th-century representation of a traditional two-tier Chinese wedding / betrothal … Read more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

The vibrant color scheme of this mid 20th-century representation of a traditional two-tier Chinese wedding / betrothal basket was inspired by the historical wedding clothing colors worn in China during the following dynasties:

Tang and Song dynasties: green for the bride, red for the groom.
Ming Dynasty: red for the bride, green, blue or red for the groom.

In China, red is the symbol of prosperity, joy and love. The color green represents renewal, growth and prosperity which is associated with vitality and the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh opportunities. It also signifies health and healing, emphasizing the importance of well-being and balance in life.

A Chinese wedding basket’s more appropriate Chinese name is Betrothal basket, as it is traditionally used during the betrothal or engagement. The family of the groom fills the basket with dowry gifts for the bride’s family. The gifts traditionally come in even numbers. Food, sewing materials, a nightgown and red sheets for the wedding night are sometimes included.

This roomy two-tiered beauty has a stationary triple layer U-curved handle fashioned from split bamboo which is woven into the lower basket’s base for structural integrity. The basket’s two-tiers separate into one removable upper lidded basket and one stationary lower basket with attached handle. The lidded upper basket acts as the “lid” or covering to the lower basket. The basket’s undersides have been reinforced with rattan splints to provide structure. Handwoven from rattan using a combination over and under to cross patterns. This beauty measures as follows:

Overall: 17¼” high including handle loop/16¼” high excluding loop; 12” x 12” W/D
Basket interiors: both baskets measure 11” x 11” x 5½” on the interior
Weight: 1 lb. 10 oz.

Beautifully natural aged honey and tan hues constitute the main color of the rattan basket accented with vibrant accents of scarlet red and bottle green. In excellent condition, structurally sound; minimal age-appropriate wear. Though the label is long gone, this beauty was made sometime in the late 1960s to early/mid 1970s by Shanghai Handicrafts in the People’s Republic of China.

This beauty will serve well as a roomy sewing basket or lovely accent atop a wide display shelf or console table. For a collector of Chinese wedding/betrothal baskets, this one should be a must have!

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