Chinese Rattan Woven Basket

Two tiers, one handle, and the neat logic of a picnic.

Weavers in Shanxi Province, China, made this lidded basket in rattan in the 20th century. Tiered baskets like this are commonly used to carry food or offerings. The square body is woven in a fine, tight pattern and divided into two stacked sections with a flat lid, reinforced with raised bands and corner bindings. A tall arched handle rises over the top. The surface has aged to a deep brown with lighter tones at the edges.

About fifteen inches tall and seventeen wide. Imagine what it carried, then fill it again.