Antique Victorian Reed Straw Work Sewing Basket Silk Pincushion Folk Art 1800s For Sale

Beautiful and unusual antique hand made Victorian sewing/work basket featuring an intricate combination of rigid reed or cane framework, finely woven decorative straw work, ribbon and a tufted fabric pincushion bottom.

This is a wonderful example of 19th-century decorative “fancy work.” The basket has a square flared form with a rigid framework of narrow flat reed/cane splints measuring approximately 3/16\" wide. Between the framework are beautifully hand-plaited panels of much finer straw or grass fiber. The upper rim is especially elaborate, decorated with braided and looped straw work around all four sides.

A pale blue-gray silk or satin-type ribbon is woven through the lower portion of the basket. The interior has a matching padded and deeply tufted cushion over the wooden bottom, likely intended for use as an integral pincushion. Fabric has not been fiber tested, so I cannot confirm that it is silk.

The underside reveals the wonderful early hand construction, with unfinished wooden boards forming the base and the basket materials secured through and around the wood. A couple of the straw pieces that lace the board to the basket are broken so the wood bottom is slightly loose.

Victorian-era publications document decorative work baskets made from straw combined with silk/satin, padding and ribbon. Based upon its materials, construction and design, I believe this example dates to the 19th century, likely the latter half of the Victorian era.

Approximately 5 1/2\" x 5 1/2\" at the bottom
Approximately 4 1/2\" tall

I have intentionally left this basket in its found condition and have not attempted to clean or restore the antique textile or woven materials.

A particularly charming survivor with wonderful hand workmanship — ideal for a collection of antique sewing accessories, Victorian textiles, folk art, early baskets or needlework tools.