Description
Antique openwork split bamboo basket from Madura Indonesia.
oasi004
Madurese people
Madura Island (?), Indonesia
Basket
Split bamboo, wood and pigments.
4.75 inches h. by 7 inches w. by 7 inches deep (rim), 5.25 inches w. by 5.25 inches deep (base)
Good condition. The wood base is cracked but in firm stable condition. A lot of the pigments have worn off but the basketry in in good condition.
A very strong, stable and well executed basket which seems to have a special purpose. The bottom wooden base is firmly pegged into place and secured with a .5-inch strip of bamboo. Above that is a .875-inch band of split bamboo woven with a raised v shape pattern running around the basket. On top of that are finely split bamboo vertical spokes that make up the body. The spacing of the spokes gives the basket aeration and a visual line to the contents when in use. Running around the body of these spokes are 8 small bundles of woven bamboo wrapped around 6 or 7 of the spokes resembling cocoons. This may be a hint to it’s intended use. Capping the spokes is another band of woven split bamboo with a raised pattern. The rim consists of 2, sturdy .5 in strips of bamboo as described for the base wrapping around giving the basket it’s strength. Traces of green pigments can be found along the rim and base as well as can be found on the wooden inside floor of the basket. Also, deep blue ink or dye can be seen on the floor.
A wonderful small basket. Further research in needed.
