Basket Case

Fine mesh

Distressed condition, rusty patina, organic contours, handmade feel, metallic heft; these wire baskets handily check off all my gotta-have-’em boxes … They had only moments before been set down outside a local antique store yesterday when I saw them (“Hmmm, cool baskets…”), touched them (“… wow, metal!”), and blurted out, “I’ll take these!” (“… wonder how much they are?!”) Yes, they were more than I’d normally pay, but really, have you ever seen such coolness? I have no regrets about this reflexive purchase; only seconds after laying claim to them two other shoppers tried to buy them as well … As far as I’m concerned there’s no bleaker feeling than seeing something you were considering at a flea market or antique store going to someone else … conversely, it’s always fun to tell an interested fellow-shopper there’s no use inquiring further about that awesome objét, it belongs to me. Competitiveness, thy name is Reuben.

Handsome profile

Paul was speculating that the baskets were probably damaged; that the smashed in sides were unintentional. I think just the opposite, since each is smashed the same way, lending an almost fabric-like fold to rigid metal containers.

Whorl view

My fave detail is the vortex in the top corner of each basket. A terrific naturalistic focal point, it references both whirlpool and spider web. Gorgeous! The shop owner said one of the other interested buyers had named the designer of the pieces but she didn’t remember who they’d said … I wish I knew, not that it matters. I love them with provenance or without … but if anyone out there knows I’d love hear from you. In the meantime I have to go stare at these some more, and ponder what, if anything, I should allow to rest in their nest-like cavities.