Black Painted Gathering Basket with Overhead Handle
Decorative art, folk craft, woven basketry • Unknown folk artisan or traditional basket maker
Style & Movement
Folk Art / Americana / Rustic Craft
Medium & Technique
Natural plant fibers, split wood or reed, painted black with applied surface coating
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated diameter: 14 to 16 inches, height including handle: 18 to 20 inches, circular format
Subject Description
A utilitarian round woven basket featuring a sturdy, arched overhead handle, tightly woven rib and weaver construction, finished in a uniform matte or semi-gloss black paint
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Structurally sound with minor surface wear consistent with age and decorative use.
Estimated Market Value
$75 - $150
Auction Estimate
$50 - $100
Provenance History
Acquired from a private collection or estate featuring rustic Americana and hearth accessories, likely utilized as a decorative fireside accessory.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of traditional utilitarian craft evolving into interior decorative folk art, reflecting the mid-century revival of interest in country primitives and hearthside accessories.
Notable Features
The monochromatic black painted finish transforms a purely utilitarian agricultural or gathering tool into a sophisticated, minimalist decorative object suitable for contemporary or rustic interiors.
Condition Issues
Slight paint chipping along high-friction weave ridges and minor dust accumulation within the recessed weave pattern.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry brush. Keep away from excessive moisture and direct, intense heat sources to prevent fiber brittleness and paint cracking.