Antique French Willow Market Basket With Iron Swing Handles, C. 1890–1910

Details

Description

This authentic antique French market basket dates to the late 19th or very early 20th century and exemplifies traditional European … Read more This authentic antique French market basket dates to the late 19th or very early 20th century and exemplifies traditional European willow basketry made for everyday agricultural and market use.

Handwoven from natural willow (osier), the basket features a reinforced oval base with integral structural ribs, thick hand-woven walls, and a substantial braided rim. The basket retains its original double swing handles, secured with forged iron hooks wrapped in willow—an early construction detail characteristic of working baskets produced prior to widespread industrial standardization.

Designed for carrying produce, bread, flowers, or harvested goods, the shallow profile and generous scale reflect its original utilitarian purpose. The surface displays rich, naturally developed patina and tonal variation from age and use, including darkening along portions of the lower rim consistent with long-term handling and contact with stone or earthen floors. The basket shows no evidence of later varnish, bleaching, or refinishing.

Structurally sound and well preserved, this basket works beautifully as a decorative object, functional storage piece, or styling element for French Country, Rustic European, or layered natural interiors. See less