Nantucket baskets were originally made by lightship keepers
in the mid 1800's. These men would be out at sea for months on end. The
duty was bleak and the crew was paid minimally for months at sea. Since
the crew was divided into two watches, there was ample free time to turn
to handwork to make extra money. Baskets were made and then sold in a
number of stores on the islands between Nantucket and New York. The baskets
were sold individually or in "nests" of five or eight.
Since the late 1800's these baskets have been made on land
and sea. The tradition of making them has been handed down from one generation
to the next. Anyone who has visited or lived n the island of Nantucket
knows their history and most likely has at least one of them at home.
And even though it didn't come about until the mid 1900's, one of the
most coveted items is the Nantucket Purse or "Nantucket Bucket."
The Nantucket Basket is made entirely of hardwoods and varying
widths of cane. They may be enhanced with bone or ivory enclosures. They
are very sturdy and durable, made to last a lifetime with proper care.
Some people who are familiar with these baskets have chosen to collect
them. In 1994 a nest of six labeled baskets sold at Sotheby's for $118,000.
The early baskets seem to be made mostly of oak, cherry
and ash. We make the traditional baskets with these woods. We have also
found some of the more unique hardwoods such as Black Walnut, Purple Heart,
Bloodwood, Koa, and Zebrawood are extremely beautiful when mixed with
the weaving of these baskets. We have taken creative liberties in some
of our designs. Each basket is carefully handcrafted, from the making
of the hardwood bases, staves (ribs), handles and lids, to the weaving
and finishing of the cane and any decorative touches. Creating these baskets
is our passion. We remember each piece we've made, as each one is a unique
and individual creation.
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