Late Qing Dynasty Hand Painted/Woven Chinese Fishers Basket

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I purchased at a live auction in upstate NY from the estate of a world traveler.
An exceptional piece of … Read more I purchased at a live auction in upstate NY from the estate of a world traveler.
An exceptional piece of authentic Asian folk art, this large antique Chinese harvest basket dates from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic period (circa 1890–1930). Masterfully hand-woven from durable willow and reed, the basket features a robust, triple-arched bentwood handle secured by hand-carved wood block joins. Prominently hand-painted in black ink down the front of the handle is the original merchant or workshop mark: 宜記 (Yi Ji), translating to "The Yi Shop" or "The Yi Company Mark." Historically, these auspicious shop marks were utilized by regional trade cooperatives and families to assert ownership during collective community harvests and to guarantee proper volumetric standard capacities at market.
Design & ConditionThe exterior showcases a beautifully distressed, deep rustic-red lacquered finish that contrasts nicely against the weathered, natural blue-grey interior weave. The bottom perimeter is heavily reinforced with period-correct, blue-waxed cordage woven into the structure to shield the base from high-friction field wear. Exhibiting a highly desirable, time-earned patina with authentic shrinkage gaps, superficial wood splitting, and expected lacquer loss on high-contact ridges, this utilitarian object remains structurally sound, clean, and highly stable. Perfect as a striking rustic centerpiece, floor accent, or unique storage vessel for eclectic and global interiors.
Item Details & Specifications Place of Origin: China
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1900 (Late 19th / Early 20th Century)Period: Qing Dynasty / Republic Period
Materials: Woven Willow, Reed, Bentwood, Black Ink, Organic Lacquer, Reinforced CordingMaker / Shop Mark: 宜記 (Yi Ji / "The Yi Shop") See less