67/66/1-3

This basket was probably used as a reticule (small bag) and was made in Germany in the nineteenth century. It is a rectangular basket made of white willow and wooden slats. It has two detachable half lids and a lapped handle. The ornamental weaves used on the basket identify it as ‘Jugendstil’ – the German Art Nouveau movement.

1 basket and lid in 2 parts: willow, wood

The Ann Mary Pilcher Collection of Victorian Baskets (67/60-94) was collected by Ann Mary Pilcher in 1957-1967, mostly from junk shops and stalls. Little history is known about any of them., MERL 'Catalogue of baskets' form – 'NAME: Basket (RETICULE) // Acc. No.: 67/66 // Group: PERSONAL USE. // Neg. no.: 60/8737 // Place of origin: German. // Period in use: mid or late 19th century // DESCRIPTION // Materials: White willow rod & skein. Wooden slats. // Shape and construction: Rectangular. 2 half lids & wood between. Handle lapped. Construction resembles French skeinwork but it was identified by the ornamental weaves on the sides as “Jugenstiel” [Jugendstil]. Ends curved out. Hinges & fastenings missing. // Dimensions: WB. [width of bottom] 3” LB. [length of bottom] 7” D. [depth] 4 1/2” WT. [width of top] 4” LT. [length of top] 9 3/4” // Use: Conjectural: as a reticule, shopping or travelling basket. // Dialect names: // Distribution: // Additional notes: Miss Anne Buck reserves judgement about its exact use.'

Germany

1825 - 1899

Wood, willow, Wood

Basketry, stake and strand, Basketry, twined

Wright, Dorothy (Recorder)