Basketry And Woven Goods Appraisal

Hand-Painted Woven Rattan Basket Lid

This item is a round, hand-painted lid for a woven rattan or wicker basket, made from natural fibers exhibiting a warm, light-brown hue. Its construction features tightly woven coils, forming a concentric pattern that radiates from the center. The central knob, likely for gripping, is composed of several pieces of material (possibly rattan or wood) arranged in a star-like pattern, with some sections stained or painted dark brown/black, while others retain their natural light color. The surface of the lid is adorned with hand-painted floral and leaf motifs. The flowers are depicted in clusters, primarily featuring pale pink, light blue, and yellow petals with darker centers. Surrounding these floral arrangements are painted green leaf designs, which appear to extend around the perimeter. The painting style is somewhat naive or folk art in nature, with colors applied in a slightly textured manner, suggesting a thick paint or less precise brushwork, adding to its artisanal charm. Visible condition issues include some wear to the painted areas, particularly the green leaves, where the underlying basket material shows through. The central knob also exhibits some discoloration and wear. The natural fibers show signs of age, with some slight fraying or darkening in areas, consistent with an older, well-used item. The overall craftsmanship indicates a handmade piece, possibly originating from the mid-20th century or earlier, given the rustic aesthetic and painted decoration style. The weaving is generally consistent, indicating a skilled hand, though the painting has a more informal character. The diameter appears to be roughly 6-8 inches, based on the hand holding it in the image, suggesting it may have been for a small storage or decorative basket.