Paul Johnson 8 1/2 Inch Nantucket Purse with carved Whalebone Half Hull Model Top Decoration by Mark Sutherland, Nantucket 1982
InformationVintage Nantucket Purse with engraved signature at the bottom of the maple base which states “Paul Johnson Nantucket 1982”. The basket has a flame grain walnut wood top with a carved whalebone half hull model of a whale ship with false gun ports carved by Mark Sutherland. The basket has oak rims on the top and basket base. The basket has oak ribs and rattan weave. The swing oak handle is the most finely made with wonderful curves in as the tapers and attaches on both sides to the lower oak rim. The handle attaches to the basket with turned ivory knobs and washers with metal 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 ivory 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 8eather cane wrapped loops which act like a pair of rear hinges. (FA1211)
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a dark mellow patina.
Dimensions: Width of rim 8 1/2 Inches, Width of ivory side knobs 9 ½ Inches, Height to top of basket 6 ¾ Inches, Height from bottom to top of handle 11 1/2 Inches.
About the Maker: Paul Johnson is an accomplished basket maker. He produces tightly woven baskets with strong staves and even caning and stitching. Johnson was the student of Jose Reyes, a master of lightship basketry. Reyes inspired by traditional lightship baskets invented the Nantucket purse.
Johnson is also a master carver. He hand carves adornments for the top of the basket purses and makes intricate whale species boards using exotic woods, whalebone and whale tooth. Four Winds Craft Guild, on Straight Wharf (at the end of Main Street), displays a large selection of baskets by several artists. The best are made by Paul Johnson and Donna Cifranic. Johnson was the student of Jose Reyes, a master of lightship basketry who died in 1980. Reyes developed innovative weaving techniques and modern styles. Cifranic, in turn, learned from Johnson.
Johnson and Cifranic work independently. Both produce tightly woven baskets with strong staves and even caning and stitching. Johnson is also an accomplished carver, and his baskets are often adorned with carvings and clasps made of scallop shells, whalebone or tooth, ivory or ebony.
1982
