This is a hand crafted gourd basket. Vintage to 1999. Artist signed. Mixed media with elements of pine needles, feathers, beads, stone disc. Burlap-lined.
I'll tell you what! Marcia Holland is a visionary! She is the artist whose name is written on the bottom of this basket. Right next to a sweet drawing of a pine cone.
This basket is constructed from a beautiful Bushel Basket gourd.
The artist chose a unique opening for her piece. Only the front edge is carved open in a deep arc. The sides and back are left as found.
That opening edge is interlaced with several rows of pine needles. The ending bunch of the pine needles makes a deep dive, bisecting that opening.
There is a burlap lining draped throughout the interior. It is a lovely rusty hue with lighter colored slubs. It is not stretched in a taut application. It is slouchy and loose. The volume of the interior is not indicative of the outer shape. Due to the burlap, the interior is much smaller than the size of the gourd would indicate.
Three fluffy feathers accent the edge. At the bottom of the opening is yet another decorative element. A few strands of seed beads and a mottled stone disc accent the front.
Where to focus attention?! So many perfectly chosen details embellish this beauty. As I said, the artist was a visionary; she saw grace in such a humble object.
This basket measures 8.5” wide x 8” tall x 8.5” deep. Condition is as expected. A natural product with resultant imperfections.
The craftsmanship is superb. Display it just as is, or add a few slips of dried foliage as a delicate accent. More fashion decorative than functional.
A one-of-a-kind basket.
Product code: Gourd Basket fashion - Mixed Media - 1999