Exceptional Nantucket Double Handle ivory Top Nantucket Friendship Basket Signed on the Bottom, Michael Kane Nantucket and dated 1981
InformationMICHAEL KANE NANTUCKET BASKET PURSE
Exceptonal Nantucket Friendship Basket with double swing handles inscribed in the maple bottom of the basket "Made By Michael Kane 1981 Nantucket Island". The basket demonstrates Michael Kane's finely woven micro-weave technique featuring very fine oak ribs with a delicate rattan weave. The basket top is made from ivory and has an excellent polychrome engraving featuring Herman Melville's favorite print titled "Peche du Chalot" that was created by the artist Ambrose Garneray in 1835. This scrimshaw image is signed by Robert Spring. There is another finely detailed scrimshaw decoration on the interior of the ivory top. This decoration includes dramatic patriotic imagery which includes patriotic border of flags, a cannon and a spread-wing eagle grasping a banner with the scrimshanders name signature "R Spring 1980" in the banner. The original owners name "Sheila Eizman" is engraved in the middle of the plaque. The basket has a pair of finely made oak handles which are attached to the basket with ivory spacers on the inside of the handles and on the outside finely carved scallop shells. Woven into the front of the basket is an ivory keeper. Mounted to the top is an hinged finely shaped ivory hasp closure that fits over the ivory keeper and is secured with a small ivory fid. Typical of Michael Kane baskets ins a 1980 penny affixed to interior base. This is one of the finest Nantucket Friendship baskets we have examined. (FA1246)
Height to top of basket 7 1/4 Inches", Height with Handles up 12 Inches, Width 11 Inches.
Condition: The basket is in excellent condition and has a mellow patina. Base on the baskets condition it was probably never worn.
1981
