Floral Basket Appraisal

Vintage Hand-Painted Floral Woven Wicker Basket with Red Trim

This is a vintage, hand-woven wicker basket, likely crafted from natural plant fibers such as rattan or bamboo, characterized by its distinctive red painted accents and floral decorations. The basket appears to be roughly oval or rectangular with rounded corners at its base, tapering slightly upwards. Its physical construction involves tightly woven natural fibers, creating a sturdy yet somewhat flexible form. The entire rim of the basket, as well as the tall, arched handle, is painted a vibrant, somewhat distressed red. The handle is fashioned from multiple strands of material twisted or braided together, showing a ridged texture. Below the red rim, on the exterior body of the basket, there is hand-painted folk art style ornamentation consisting of floral motifs. These flowers are predominantly red and yellow with green leaves, suggestive of a rustic or country aesthetic. Visible condition issues include significant paint loss and chipping on the red trim and handle, indicating age and use. The natural fibers beneath the paint are exposed in several areas, revealing the lighter, natural color of the wicker. The interior of the basket shows the natural, unpainted woven material, which appears in good condition with no visible breaks or major damage. The overall patina of the piece suggests it could date from the mid-20th century, possibly from the 1940s to 1960s. There are no immediate visible maker's marks, signatures, or stamps, which is common for artisanal folk craft items of this nature. The craftsmanship appears to be sturdy and functional, typical of utilitarian yet decorative baskets from that era. Its unique blend of practical form with vibrant, hand-painted decorations makes it a distinctive piece.