I see a lot of baskets at Estate sales and am quite particular about those I select for my customers. This is a really nice, handmade vintage basket with a wood base and a center wooden press that was designed to be a napkin dispenser. It is a medium brown color with really nice top woven edge and trim elements. The wood pieces also appear to be handmade and fit wonderfully into the basket. These folk art elements make this basket really stand out. The craftsmanship on this basket is unparalleled and it is signed MLS 1998 16 on the bottom.

The style and craftsmanship confirm the signature date of the 1990s. It is in very nice condition. There are a few loose ends in the wood slats but no broken through pieces or compromised spots. There is a bit of dustiness on the interior corners. The stain on the wood pieces is in very nice condition. The basket sits really flat and the wood press moves wonderfully. I love the utilitarian size and think it would be quite handy in household applications and - it's hand made nature makes it just beautiful!

The size is also very special. It could hold quite a pile of napkins (I show it with just a few cloth ones for context), and the shape makes it ideal for toting and storing. This is a treasure.

Dimensions:

Basket - 3 1/2" high, 11 1/4" wide, 9 1/4" deep
Wood Press - 4 1/4" dowel height, 9 3/4" width