Antique American Gathering Basket

Details

Description

On offer is an antique, hand-woven American utilitarian gathering basket, dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th … Read more On offer is an antique, hand-woven American utilitarian gathering basket, dating from the late 19th century to the early 20th century (circa 1880–1930). The high handle combined with a deep, round 8-inch body indicates it was made as a working utility basket. It was most likely used for gathering eggs or berries.
It is constructed primarily using woven ash or oak splints—those flat wooden bands—which is highly characteristic of traditional Appalachian, New England or Midwestern regional basketry.
The body features a tight, plain weave, an over-one, under-one pattern. Thick vertical ribs, or staves, taper toward the bottom to create its distinct rounded shape. The top edge features a classic double-rim system lashed together with a continuous wrap of flexible wood splint to reinforce the basket's structure against heavy loads.
The handle is a carved, heavy hardwood "bentwood" handle, likely hickory or oak, that wraps entirely down the inner sides of the basket to anchor under the rim. This design distributes weight evenly, so the handle won't pull out when loaded. Where the handle meets the rim, it is wrapped in an X-pattern or wrapped knot using thick root or splint cordage, showing authentic folk-art construction.
The deep, rich brown color is an authentic historic patina. It is the result of decades of oxidation, natural wood aging and oil from human hands. The gaps visible between the weave near the shoulder are typical of its age. As green wood splints dry over 100+ years, they shrink slightly, creating minor spaces while remaining structurally sound.
Signature/Maker’s Mark: Nonexistent. See less