Chinese Hand Warmer / Basket with Handle

Diagonal weave climbs a stout basket, and a slim arch handle crowns it all.

This rattan hand warmer basket with terra cotta liner from Shanxi Province is from Shanxi Province, China, and dates to the late 19th century. Rattan is a climbing palm whose stems can be split and woven into sturdy and flexible baskets, and it is widely used across Asia. Broad basket with a diagonally woven body, a plaited shoulder and a thin arched handle. A plain flat band wraps the base. The inside is lined with pale paper. The finish is warm red brown with a mellow shine. It is 7.5 inches high and 7.5 in diameter.

Well woven and thoroughly satisfied with itself.