Vintage Leaf Shaped Wicker Basket in Natural Brown with Loop Handle

A vintage leaf shaped wicker basket in natural brown with a loop handle. Wicker baskets shaped like leaves were a favourite of mid century kitchens and summer houses, and this one is a real charmer. Woven in warm, natural brown cane, it tapers from a rounded end to a gentle point, just like a leaf, and a looped handle rises from the stem end, bound neatly in cane so it is easy to pick up or hang on a hook. The weave is close and even across the base, with a sturdy rolled rim around the top.

It measures 31 cm long including the handle, 18 cm wide and 9 cm high to the top of the handle, with the basket itself standing 6 cm deep. It is wonderfully light, and the cane has mellowed to a lovely honeyed tone with age, as you can see in the photographs.

We have styled it with pearly shells for the photographs. On a breakfast table it makes a pretty bread basket for rolls and croissants, and in the kitchen it is perfect for lemons, limes or a few eggs. On a dressing table or bathroom shelf it will hold jewellery, hair clips or little soaps, and in a hallway it is handy for keys and sunglasses. Hung by its handle from a hook or a peg rail, it also makes a simple, natural wall decoration.

It suits cottage, coastal and boho interiors, and looks lovely with green glass, linen and pale painted wood. In autumn, fill it with conkers, acorns and pine cones, or at Christmas with clementines and sprigs of eucalyptus for an easy seasonal touch.