Child's Gathering Basket in Original Black Paint

Circa 1890-1925: Measuring 9.5" in diameter with a 6.75" rim height and a 9.5" overall height, this petite oak gathering basket in original windsor black paint was most likely made for a child as it was a common for children to harvest fruits and vegetables from the family garden and gather eggs from the barnyard hens. This tightly woven splint basket was made for practical use as its pop up bottom is reinforced on the underside to hold heavy objects and its rim has a sturdy X wrap. The basket's surface is superb with expected high point wear to the paint, especially on the handle and around the rim. Condition is generally excellent with general honest shelf wear and one break on the bottom commensurate with age and use. This is a very attractive example of late 19th / early 20th century utilitarian basketry that was lovingly used for many years and has survived because of its incredibly good construction and proper care.