Nantucket Purse signed on base by Michael Kane and top has Four Carved Whalebone Whales. American Circa 1975
InformationVintage Nantucket Purse the signature carved on to the bottom of the maple base states “MADE BY MICHAEL KANE 1973, NANTUCKET ISLAND”. There is a small label stating “Ron Hoffman and Tony Giampetro Collection”. Set into the top of the bottom base is a 1973 penny. On the bottom is a small label which states “Hoffman and Giampietro Collection”. The basket has a walnut oval plaque mounted to the top of the lid are three carved whalebone species of whales and a dolphin. The basket has oak rims on the top and basket base. The basket has oak ribs and rattan weave. The swing oak handle has a nicely curved edge at the corners and attaches on both sides to the lower oak rim. The handle attaches to the basket with bone knobs turned and washers with brass hardware. At the front of the basket is a wrapped leather top loop which fits into a second wrapped loop which is attached to the bottom rim. The lid locks by placing the small turned bone fid on a woven safety cord through the loops. Mounted to the top and bottom on the back of the basket is a pair of leather cane wrapped loops which act like a pair of rear hinges.Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a deep mellow patina. (FA1204)Dimensions: Width of rim 9 Inches, Width of ivory side knobs 10 1/2 Inches, Height to top of basket 8 Inches, Height from bottom to top of handle 11 3/4 Inches.
About the maker: Michael Kane, began weaving his heritage through Nantucket Lightship Baskets in 1969. He learned his trade from his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Reis, Sr., and began his own successful business while still in the eighth grade. His baskets are crafted with sturdy oak staves and handles, woven with rattan, and rest on a solid wooden bottom. They are often accented with beautiful decorations of ivory carvings and scrimshaw. His grandparents taught him to use oak instead of cane because experience taught them that oak is the sturdiest and would make the finest basket. Michael’s first basket was sold in 1969 at his mother’s business, Bette’s Luncheonette in the Nantucket Pharmacy. As the years passed he began to supply baskets of various sizes to Morgan Levine at the Four Winds Craft Guild. Michael soon established a well-known name for himself and decided to branch out on his own. He moved to his present location where he is producing the finest baskets of a unique craft which has lasted for over 200 years. Michael is best known as the originator of the tight weave.
Circa 1975
