{HISTORY}

Large in size and square in shape, this antique handmade ash splint basket features a  round rim, bentwood handles, and an open weave bottom. 

Strong and sturdy but light in weight and delicate in composition, this basket was made using traditional basketmaking techniques and therefore retains all the hallmarks of a perfectly imperfect handcrafted heirloom.

A smidge wider on one end of the rim than the other, and containing handles that do not exactly line up in the same opposite location, there is a lot of character and individuality when it comes to this antique charmer.

Bentwood handles secured without using nails, and light fraying of the ash wood on the exterior and interior hints at this basket's age— somewhere possibly around the mid-late 19th century. And although it can be difficult to trace a basket's origin story, we suspect that this one was made in the Northeast, thanks to its shape, size, dark color, and light weight.

The basketweave is strong and tight all the way around the sides and the open weave bottom flexes under pressure, making it ideal for holding lighter-weight contents. You wouldn't want to haul or hold firewood in this beauty, but it is perfect for storing linens, gathering garden harvests, organizing household odds and ends, and creating seasonal displays. If you are a basket collector for sheer beauty alone, this one also makes a gorgeous statement piece. 

With rustic appeal and primitive charm, it's amazing how functional, accommodating, and practical an antique basket can be.  

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Large size

- Handmade

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this basket is strong and sturdy with no broken areas or loose pieces. The wood is tightly woven throughout and the handles are secure. Over time, as part of the natural aging of ash, areas of the basketweave have started lightly fraying. This does not cause any structural damage to the basket. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

This basket measures 18.5" inches (length handle to handle) x 17" inches (width) x 11.5" inches (height base to top of handle) and weighs 1.4 lbs. 

{FOR THE COLLECTOR}

Find more handmade split-oak baskets in the shop here.