A charming vintage mid-century wicker picnic basket or suitcase-style hamper, dating to approximately the 1950s or 1960s.
Rectangular in form, the basket is constructed from natural woven wicker accented by glossy white, red and black woven vinyl bands. The bold striped pattern gives this practical piece a particularly graphic, decorative quality reminiscent of fashionable mid-century resort and seaside accessories. (To us, it is giving a Gucci inspired feel!)
The basket opens like a suitcase and is fitted with wrapped carrying handles, traditional cane toggle closures and an interior woven retaining panel designed to hold plates or picnic accessories securely in place. The coordinating patterned interior continues the red, black and white palette throughout the piece.
Its generous interior offers ample room for linens, serving pieces, books, games, craft materials or picnic provisions. Equally appealing when not in use, the basket makes an excellent decorative object for a kitchen, garden room, mudroom, guest room or covered porch.
The combination of natural wicker and crisp nautical colors gives the piece a relaxed French Riviera, Italian seaside and classic American summer-resort sensibility. (Imagine taking this piece for a picnic on Nantucket or Sconset.) It would be especially attractive in a coastal, cottage, traditional, Grandmillennial, French country or eclectic interior.
The green ceramic plates shown in several photographs are styling props and are not included in the sale.
Condition report
Good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. There is minor rubbing, discoloration, and minor loss to portions of the white, red, and black surface decoration. The basket remains highly decorative and presents beautifully.
This basket would look particularly good:
- Displayed open on a kitchen island with vintage plates and folded linens
- Stacked with antique luggage beneath a console or campaign-style table
- Used to store table linens, napkins or seasonal entertaining pieces
- Placed in a guest room with extra towels or bedding
- Styled in a garden room with cabbageware, wicker and botanical textiles
- Used as a decorative picnic prop for a summer porch or pool house
- Filled with books and games in a family room
- Paired with red ticking, blue-and-white porcelain or green majolica
Dimensions:
16" Wide
10.5" Deep
10.5" Tall
