Canadian Swing Handled Basket with Canvas Lining, Circa 1900

Very Early Nantucket lightship basket, circa 1860, an oval open basket with wide splint staves, split wood rim, cane weave, solid birch bottom plate, and sha...

Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a round disk shape with open top, made of hand-sti...

Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, likely by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a flat oval "clamshell" lid hinged above an oval body, made of hand-stitched longleaf pine needles and raffia in braided and lace-like arrangements, with two braided raffia handles, a stitched hinge, and a silk lined interior, not signed. This is one of her very early baskets made before she started adding ivory tops and fixtures. The basket remains in strong original condition with no discernible breaks to the weave. There may have once been a loop closure at one point. Measures: 5-1/4 in H x 9 in L x 6-1/4 in W A local adaptation of a Nantucket basket first designed by Gladys Ellis (Mattapoisett: 1917 – 2011). The Mattapoisett basket is made in the shape and nature of a Nantucket basket, but uses southern yellow or longleaf pine needles and raffia coiled and sewn on a frame with a lace-like effect, often incorporating scrimshaw panels on the top and sides, sometimes as well as clasps and handle knobs...

Antique Nantucket Basket by A.D. Williams (Nantucket: 1867 - 1927), circa 1890, an oval open Nantucket basket with cane weave on oak staves, w...

Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket becomes a truly beautiful statement. The artisan’s mastery is evident in thi...

Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket becomes a truly beautiful statement. The artisan’s mastery is evident in thi...

Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket becomes a truly beautiful statement. The artisan’s mastery is evident in thi...

Basket making is an ancient and humble craft, but in the hands of a skilled weaver a simple willow basket can become a truly beautiful work of art. This bent handle basket was made i...