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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
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I picked up this interesting basket that looks like a water diviner joined from skin oils. It should
to a basket. I can’t tell how old it is, but it looks like someone made it by show signs of polish from
hand and used a knife to carve the handle part. Someone said it was the fact it had been used
supposed to be used for tea and it does look like a scoop of some kind. It is daily for its entire life. Also,
very lightweight. It is around 10” long, and the basket is about 5” x 4 1/2”. I have seen very few for sale
I just want it checked out before I use it for a craft project I am doing. that did not have wear
Thank you – Dani marks such as small holes or
broken weaving, again from
Hello Dani and thank you for this cool basket appraisal submission. the use it sustained.
This is one of those tools whose use has spanned probably thousands If one were to find an
of years. It has a few varied uses and is entirely handmade. I believe I antique Asian woven tea
am safe to say this tool originated in the Far East. I personally have seen strainer I would expect to
similar pieces used in South East Asia. see a price of an estimated
This tool is constructed of handwoven bamboo created on a carved $35/$50+ in North
forked tree branch handle. A very simple but adequate tool for what it America, depending on how
was designed for. Now, if you have not already guessed what it is, I will wonderfully it looked in its
tell you. Among many uses around the house, similar woven baskets used state. Bamboo takes
were used for straining tea leaves or used for washing rice before a meal. on, for the lack of
A basket similar to yours might have been used for straining anything better words, a wonderful
or for fetching a measure of rice or grain. I have seen similar sized dark buttery look when it
handled pieces used for ladles in dipping water, but a ladle would have has been handled and used.
a much tighter weave. I have seen very few original
Now the downside. Your particular Asian strainer/grain scoop is antique or vintage used
not old. This particular bamboo handwoven handled basket can be woven Asian tea strainers in
purchased today for under $20 through venues such as eBay or Etsy. North America for sale. I
I have, however, seen this type of strainer as an antique and you have however seen quite a
might ask how I know when a piece like this has good age. A simple few of them in the night
answer without going into great detail is patina and use wear. These markets of South East Asia.
pieces are used as tools in the kitchen. A basket with age will be stained Thank you for your
the same color as the tea it strained as well as a darker polished handle inquiry and I hope your
craft project turns out great!
– David L. Moore, CAA

David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for
the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors graduate
and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques Appraiser.
Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and selling the rare and
unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David is currently the owner
of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques appraisal business.

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58 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles