Hand-Sculpted Woven Ceramic Basket, Green Glaze, Strawberry Appliqué

Every strand of this basket was rolled by hand, laid against its neighbor, and woven through — coil by coil, row by row — before a single drop of glaze touched it. The result is a ceramic object that has no business looking this much like a real basket. The deep emerald glaze pools in the interstices and catches light along the ridges the way lacquered rattan does, and the rope-twist rim gives the whole form a satisfying heft and finish. At one end, a sculptural cluster of ripe strawberries, blossoms, and ochre leaves breaks the monochrome with hand-painted color — red, yellow, green — applied with enough care that each strawberry reads as its own small object.

The tradition behind it is French and Portuguese faïence — the majolica barbotine baskets that graced 19th-century tables with trompe-l'œil basketry and naturalistic fruit appliqué. This one carries that craft forward without apology. No mold seams. Unglazed buff clay foot. Entirely unmarked, which means no brand name is competing with the work itself. Put bread in it, fruit in it, or nothing at all — it earns its place either way.

CONDITION

Good. One small chip on the rim has been touched up. Scattered minor glaze losses consistent with hand-built construction. Woven structure is intact and sound throughout.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• 4 1/2" H × 13 3/4" W × 11 1/2" D
• Material: Glazed ceramic
• Unmarked; unglazed buff clay foot
• Campbell's Soup Can (4" H) Shown for Scale — Not Included