Thai Rattan Basket

A tall woven basket wearing a wrapped rim and one patched flank.

This rattan basket from Thailand is from Thailand, and dates to the 20th century. Basketry is among the oldest crafts in Southeast Asia, and shapes vary by region according to whether a basket is meant for carrying, storing, steaming or serving food. A tapered basket with a wide mouth, finely woven sides, and a banded rim bound in a darker strip. A flat panel of tighter weave covers one lower side, and the surface has deepened to warm brown. It is 16 inches high and 14 in diameter.

Hand-woven and slightly lopsided, which is how baskets say hello.