Small Swing-Handle
Woodsplint Basket
In Deep Red Paint     

Probably New England, ca. mid-19th century.

Bone-dry highly patinated untouched painted surface on tightly-woven ash splint. The oxblood-red color and strong patina give it an ancient aesthetic. The finely shaped swing handle is attached with carved lapped ears, reinforced with tiny iron straps (the straps a feature I don’t recall seeing before). Carefully wrapped rim. The interior bottom woven into a “high kick”, probably to add structural strength. In excellent condition with a tiny trivial loss.

Just 6 1/2 to 7 inches diameter at the slightly oval rim x 3 ½ inches tall to the rim, plus another 4 ½ inches if the handle is upright.

25 years in a fine collection of early New England antiques.