Vintage Woven Wire Basket in Silver with Twisted Handle

Small things can be the most charming, and this little woven wire basket is a perfect example. Fine silver toned wire has been woven by hand into a square basket that flares gently at the rim, with a scalloped edge at the top, a band of looped wire around the base and a tall twisted rope handle that arches over the top. It looks almost like a miniature version of a garden trug, but dressed up for the table.

The basket itself measures 7 cm high and 9 cm across, rising to 14 cm with the handle up, and weighs just 110 g. The base is woven in a neat open lattice, and the handle swings down flat against the side when you want to tuck it on a shelf. It is a lovely, light little piece with plenty of sparkle, and the weave is crisp and even all the way round, as you can see in the photographs.

At this time of year we would fill it with a few wrapped sweets or chocolate coins and hand it over as a Christmas token, or a stocking filler. Line it with a scrap of tissue paper and it becomes a pretty way to give homemade fudge or truffles. The rest of the year it makes a sweet home for rings and earrings on a dressing table, paper clips on a desk, tealights on a windowsill or a posy of dried flowers.

Group it with other silver and glass pieces for a bit of shimmer on a mantelpiece, or pop it beside a bowl of clementines and some greenery for an easy festive corner. However you use it, it is a small find that makes people smile.