VINTAGE CHINESE WEDDING GIFT BASKET

Description

Vintage Chinese Wedding Gift Presentation
Basket.  The wedding basket once contained the actual gifts, including money, of the presenter. The basket, in effect, functions as the gift wrapping, but unlike the latter, which must be ripped open and is then discarded, it can be kept and preserved for posterity, as this particular specimen is.  It is NOT meant to be used for any other purpose.  Hence almost all extant baskets are in fine to pristine condition.  This basket is, unusually so, small-size (they are typically, even flamboyantly, oversize).  Its top cover, which is separable from the basket, is conical forming a singular shape readily identified with Chinese style.
R
attan and bamboo.  Plaited construction.  Lightly and originally lacquered, particularly the elaborately designed bamboo handle.
Very tightly woven, the basket is purely utilitarian yet made meticulously, fine craftsmanship that gets the task at hand done.  Every side of the basket is elegantly painted over in black with Natural elements: Flowers, butterflies, and a semi-abstract design on top.  Again, the usual poly-chrome color is avoided in favor of an austerely all-black monochrome.
Fine.  It is, quite simply, the nicest specimen of its kind I have ever seen:  A model of simplicity, practicality, and elegance that characterize Chinese
basketry at its best. Beautiful patina, smooth to one’s touch.  Looks and feels smooth and shiny.  Whether as a collectible/part of a basket collection, a container for your small objects such as keys or jewelry, or a "stand-alone" display/accent piece, this is a beauty.  No contemporary repair.
Small
size: 8.5 inches (length/height) X 6 inches (weight/diameter).
It is not especially heavy (about 2 pounds) but is irregularly-sized.  USPS will charge shipping on the basis of both its weight AND dimensions.
"The importance of ethnic and tribal art cannot be overstated. Its complex history with Modernism is intriguing and complex. Each informs the other. For anyone interested in how the human mind is compelled to make experience tangible, then one must consider this art. Look at it, wonder about it, live with it, be inspired by it, and let it broaden your world” (Douglas Dawson).
PLEASE NOTE:  I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DESCRIBE ANY FLAW OR IMPERFECTION, IF THERE ARE ANY.  HOWEVER, ANTIQUE, VINTAGE, AND OTHERWISE OLD PIECES NATURALLY HAVE IMPERFECTIONS, WHICH ENHANCE, NOT DETRACT FROM, THEIR VALUE AND AUTHENTICITY.  IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR PERFECTION, YOU WILL NEVER BE HAPPY BUYING AND COLLECTING ANTIQUES OR VINTAGE PIECES, AND THE POINT OF BUYING AND COLLECTING IS HAPPINESS.  EVERYTHING ELSE IS PLAIN LIFE.
I WILL RESPOND TO SERIOUS QUERIES ONLY.  SHIPPING IS BASED ON WEIGHT, SHIPPING METHOD (ECONOMY OR PRIORITY/EXPEDITED) THAT YOU SELECTED, AND YOUR ADDRESS/DESTINATION.  AS A GENERAL RULE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ME ABOUT SHIPPING COST IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE YOUR SAVINGS.
FOREIGN COLLECTORS WELCOME.  PLEASE CONTACT ME FIRST BEFORE BUYING, MAKING AN OFFER, OR PAYING BECAUSE USPS HAVE CHANGED ITS POLICIES WITH REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL PARCELS.
Please note: I am unable to ship abroad using First Class Letter Mail or Air Mail Parcel Post as NEITHER service is trackable, which is now a mandatory requirement of both Paypal and eBay for all of my transactions.  The reason: Far too many items, including postcards I have shipped using Letter Mail in the past, were either lost in transit or reported by their buyers as "Item Not Received".  This is quite a hassle, and is simply not worth it.  So the cheapest shipping method wherever available, is via either USPS Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelope or USPS Priority Mail Box, which includes Tracking, Delivery Confirmation, and Full Insurance.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
I DO
NOT
MAKE MONEY ON SHIPPING, BUT I  CANNOT AFFORD TO SUBSIDIZE IT EITHER.  PAYMENT DUE UPON COMPLETION OF SALE.