Hand-Woven Oval Wicker Basket with Twisted Handle

This is a medium-sized, hand-woven oval basket crafted primarily from stout, natural willow or rattan rods. The basket features a traditional stake-and-strand construction with a prominent thick, braided, or twisted fiber handle that arches vertically over the center. The color palette is a natural honey-brown, accented by two distinct bands of darker, chocolate-brown weaving that provide a decorative contrast around the mid-section and near the base. The handle exhibits a complex rope-like texture, suggesting it may be reinforced for carrying. Its condition appears fair to good for a vintage utility item, showing minor surface dust in the crevices and slight fraying of the smaller fibers which is typical for organic materials of this age. There are no immediate signs of structural breaks in the main vertical stakes. The craftsmanship is rustic yet sturdy, likely dating from the late 20th century. It lacks visible maker's marks, suggesting it may be a folk art piece or a high-quality mass-produced artisanal import. The overall geometry is symmetrical, with a slightly flared rim that enhances its aesthetic appeal for both functional storage and decorative use.