Antique Chinese Wedding Basket, Bamboo & Lacquer, Sculptural Swing Handle

Details

Description

A wonderfully sculptural antique Chinese wedding/betrothal basket — hand-woven bamboo finished in washed black lacquer with fine incised silver-white decoration: … Read more A wonderfully sculptural antique Chinese wedding/betrothal basket — hand-woven bamboo finished in washed black lacquer with fine incised silver-white decoration: wave motifs banding the rims, key-fret meander at top and base. The arched bent-bamboo swing handle is the standout feature here, giving the whole piece a graceful, almost calligraphic silhouette whether displayed with the handle up or folded down.
T
wo-tier construction: a tightly woven diagonal basketweave lower register beneath an open vertical-slat tier that would have allowed air to circulate around gifts of food carried between families during traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies. Topped with a matching woven lid.
This is a piece with real presence — as much sculpture as vessel. Beautiful grouped with other dark woven or brutalist forms, or standing alone as a textural accent on a console or shelf.

Condition: Per the estate auction description, consistent with age and use. One bamboo slat is missing from the open upper tier (see photos). A small area of old residue near the base of the slats — possibly aged tape or dried plant material from an old repair — has been left undisturbed to preserve the original surface. General wear and patina consistent with age.

Dimensions: 14.5"H (handle up) / 9.5"H (handle down) / 12"W. 1 lb 10 oz. See less