Unusual Antique New England Hourglass Shaped Dark Splint Basket horsehair brush with turned wood handle and very finely made

and very finely made

6 1/2" tall x 7" wide (with dress spread flat)

3 3/4" across at base

with this juicy hand-painted Ace of Hearts on the top announcing it as a box for playing cards

Unusual Antique New England Hourglass Shaped Dark Splint Basket horsehair brush with turned wood handle and very finely madeWhat an extraordinarily beautiful basket I think this is, and it is one I handle pretty carefully as I believe it is really very old and somewhat fragile. I have looked at lots and lots of antique woven splint baskets, and have found next to none with this sort of hour glass shape. With its narrow neck, it might have been used for holding something live that might have the capacity to jump out! The fixed handle is carved wood notched just above and