Burmese Wood Hanging Basket

Calmly, a deep red tapering bowl on a stepped base, with a loose cord looped round it.

This lacquered bamboo hanging basket is from Burma, and dates to the 20th century. Burmese lacquerware, often called yun, is built from many coats of lacquer that are dried and polished, and it is made as bowls, boxes and baskets. Presented simply, a wide vessel in glossy brick red that narrows toward a flat stepped plinth. A flared rim sits at the top, and a thin twisted cord drapes in loops over the side. The surface has small scuffs and a smooth, even sheen. It is 14 inches wide, 14 deep and 12 high.

Tidy steps below, a tangle of rope above, and no apologies.