Woven Teardrop-Shaped Wicker Basket
Decorative Art / Utilitarian Craft • Unidentified artisan; likely mass-produced or folk-craft origin from a regional workshop specializing in wickerware
Style & Movement
Vernacular Folk Art / Traditional Craftsmanship
Medium & Technique
Woven natural fiber, likely willow or rattan, utilizing radial and coiled weaving techniques
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1960-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 x 10 x 3 inches; teardrop-shaped vessel
Subject Description
A functional teardrop or pear-shaped shallow basket featuring a flat woven base and flared open-work sides. The design emphasizes geometric repetition and organic materials.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the structural integrity is maintained but the material shows signs of aging and desiccation
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a household functional object of domestic origin, transitioned from utility to decorative use
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-century resurgence in natural-fiber domestic crafts and the global trade of woven goods. It holds minor significance as an example of vernacular functional design.
Notable Features
Distinctive teardrop silhouette which deviates from standard circular or oval basketry; honey-toned patina consistent with aged natural lacquer or shellac finishes.
Condition Issues
Minor fraying of fibers at the rim, surface dust accumulation, and evidence of brittle fibers typical of long-term exposure to dry indoor air.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent further brittleness; clean with a soft-bristled brush or low-suction vacuum.