Circa 1970 Appalachian Black Walnut Wood & Cane Basket by Berea College Crafts

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Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This gorgeous late mid-century (1970s) basket is handcrafted from Appalachian black walnut wood and cane. I have … Read more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

This gorgeous late mid-century (1970s) basket is handcrafted from Appalachian black walnut wood and cane. I have used it as a floor vase but it will look just as fabulous as a tabletop planter vase or umbrella stand. It measures 12½” x 9” H/W; top diameter 12”; base diameter 8”; interior 12” x 9½” H/W; weight 2 lbs. 2 oz. Handwoven cane in an over and under weave has an ambered lacquer finish; natural walnut wood with assorted grain variations has a wax finish. This beauty is in excellent condition with minimal age-appropriate wear.

Did you know that Berea College established the Berea Student Craft Program in 1893 beginning with weaving; woodcraft was added in 1895 and in 1920, broomcraft and ceramics were introduced? Founded in 1855 by John G. Fee, Berea College was as the first interracial and co-educational college in the South. The college offers a high quality liberal arts education to students who have great promise but limited economic resources. In 1937, master American craftsman and wood turner Rude Osolnik accepted a teaching position at the college in the industrial arts department. He later became chairman of the department and for a time, in the 1970s, he ran the woodcraft department. At Berea College each student works 10 to 15 hours per week in an on campus labor position in lieu of paying tuition. The Student Craft Program is a part of Berea’s broader labor program.

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