Curious about this basket

I know almost nothing about baskets (I’m not even sure where to post them) but I like this one, so I’m hoping someone here can give me a clue or two. This has to be at least 30 years old, but that’s all I know.

 

whicker ( or rattan ..... I always mix them up...) and what may be Hong Kong cord....on a single rod base,,,,,,,,, may be older than u think??

@Taupou

 

I truly haven’t a clue. I would have to learn quite a bit before I could even make an educated guess.

I know it has to be at least 30 years old because I’m positive it’s been in the family house for that long. Could easily have been here 40 years and come from somewhere else, too.

 

Interesting basket. The basic foundation appears to be willow (wicker), woven in a traditional European technique of "stake and strand". The first rounds of weaving on the base are willow. But the few rounds right next to the first rounds of cordage look like something else, perhaps rattan/reed. Not sure what the cordage is made of. I can't quite tell what the material is at the bottom and top of the openwork section, either, but the technique there shows some specific skills - the lower weaving, just above the cordage, is known as pairing (twining) in the English willow tradition. The upper weaving, below the next section of cordage, is what is called fitching. The difference is the direction of the twist between the two elements used. Fitching is less likely to slide down the stakes.

It reminds me a bit of traditional Irish donkey creels, with the openwork on the side, and the stakes left standing at the rim. But I have never seen that treatment of the rim/border. The style is not something I recognize from any particular place.


https://www.etsy.com/listing/559006895/irish-donkey-creel-willow-basket

 

I'll give it this......it's very well made..

 

The treatment at the top looks like the way one ties off a line on a sailboat, but carried across. So maybe a sailor did it.

 

I did think it has sort of a nautical look. Perhaps a basketmaker sent to sea.

 

Holy cow!

 

How cool! I think you have your answer!

 

I think I understand most of the steps to make a copy of your basket, except for how the rope wrap at the top starts and stops. If you can find the place where the rope is inserted, and where it ends (probably adjacent to each other), could you please post a closeup? Thanks!