A large and uncommon early 19th-century gathering basket from North Carolina, rectangular in form with two fixed, steamed and bent handles. Tightly handwoven with a well-defined structure and finished with a double-wrapped rim, the construction reflects skilled early American basketry traditions. The surface retains a soft, cream-toned painted finish, likely milk paint, now gently worn from use. The scale is notable—the clean rectangular form gives it a quiet architectural presence.
At 28 inches in length, it works easily on a console, bench, or large table, where it can hold throws, stacked books, or remain unfilled as a sculptural object. The combination of size, form, and surface places it comfortably within both traditional and more pared-back interiors.
Dimensions: 28ʺW × 16ʺD × 12ʺH
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Condition Notes: Very good antique condition with expected wear consistent with age and use. Painted surface shows natural wear and soft losses, consistent with early milk paint. Structure remains tight and stable. Basket measures 10" high, with handles 12" high. Measurements might be off by an inch in any direction, so please take that into account if height or width is critical.
COLLECTOR’S NOTE
Boxes and baskets of this type were part of the working fabric of early Southern households, often used for gathering, storage, and transport. In North Carolina, split oak was commonly employed, valued for its strength and flexibility when worked green. Surviving painted examples are less frequently encountered, as utilitarian coatings were often worn away through use—making intact surfaces like this increasingly sought after among collectors of Southern material culture.
PLEASE NOTE: The styled interior image is a computer-generated rendering created for visual inspiration. For accurate color, condition, and detail, please refer to the accompanying photographs.
