Reed Folk Art

An exceptionally well done and scarce vintage transformation or opening mask in the style of—and likely by—the First Nations Kwakuitl (Kwakwaka’wakw) people of the coastal Pacific Northwest. Mask features a very striking visage when closed, with big green eye sockets and upper cheeks, bright red nostrils and lips, and black eyes, brows, and trim goatee. When opened, a second face with similar bold black accents and a red open slit mouth is dramatically revealed. It’s framed by black open-palm hands and thick, undulating black border designs on either side and around the face. Polychrome is most likely organic pigments. Crafted of hand-carved red cedar—known as the “Tree of Life” by First Nations people. Mask is trimmed all the away around with both split and twisted rope-like reed elements, and is topped by a copious amount of long golden horse hair. Whether open, closed, or a bit of both, it exhibits fantastic and powerful character from every angle. Retains tag from the since-closed Fairweather Gallery in Sitka, Alaska. Ready to hang via a metal tab on the top back. We’ve estimated the mask as being from the 1970s based on surface wear contrasting with the still quite fine condition of the reed and hair elements, though it’s quite possible that it’s from even earlier. A transformation mask...

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This hand-woven example rema...

It was used as a rare type of wood steamer in Japan. It's not seen in modern times, and it's a valuable thing. It's in the shape of a house, and there are 5 drawers inside. The bot...

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...

Antique primitive hand woven willow reed harvest or gathering basket with an almond / oval shape and fixed handle. Measure: 20".

A monumental split reed floor vase. Standing nearly 28" tall, this large vase will be a great accent to any room. Created from circular split reed or pencil reed, and stained in a deep rich brown. It would be fabulous to use as an umbrella holder, blanket basket...

With removable wooden door; reed looped handle to top.

Centuries ago, a woven reed fisherman’s basket such as this would have been common in rural China as an everyday item, used until it became worn through. This particular example rema...

French boho chic round handcrafted wall mirror made out of ficks reed and woven by Wicker. Made in France in the 1970s. Diameter of mirror glass measures 8 inches. Mid-Century Mod...