I love baskets–the artistry behind them, the elegant simplicity of their design and their multi-functional purpose. I will lug a good basket back from a trip no matter what the size–I have a couple of quite sizable ones from Jamaica which I treasure and smaller sweetgrass versions made in Charleston where my mother grew up. Deborah Needleman writes in T Magazine about baskets enduring allure and how artisans are revitalizing the tradition. Bunny Mellon knew of the appeal of baskets and had basket rooms at her estates, and used them as a constant in her interiors (pictures below). A good basket can ground the fanciest room. Below, some new and vintage versions you can find online.
clockwise from top left: Trio Belgian farm baskets, $475 and vintage French metal basket, $570 both 1stdibs.com; hand-woven Iringa baskets, $35-95, Privet House; Medina Mercantile basket, $125, Food52; antique split wood basket, $140, Plain Goods.
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