Chinese Sewing Basket Value Guide

These traditional round wicker baskets were highly sought-after export items from China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are prized by collectors for their intricate combination of bamboo craftsmanship and symbolic embellishments like silk tassels and ancient-style brass coins.

What affects the value of Chinese Sewing Basket?

• The physical condition of the wicker, specifically looking for breaks in the weave or brittle bamboo fibers.
• The completeness of the decorative elements, including the number of original Peking glass beads and the state of the silk tassels.
• The presence of the original lid and the overall vibrancy of the materials used in the export-era design.

How to Identify Chinese Sewing Basket?

• Look for genuine Peking glass beads and rings, often in a jade-green hue, which serve as both decorative handles and talismans.
• Examine the base and lid for traditional hand-woven wicker or bamboo construction consistent with 1890-1930 techniques.
• Check for the presence of original silk tassels and authentic brass coins attached to the exterior as symbolic prosperity charms.

History of Chinese Sewing Basket

These baskets were popular export items from China during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were primarily used by Western women to store sewing supplies like needles, thread, and thimbles. The decorations often carry symbolic meaning, with the coins representing prosperity and the jade-colored Peking glass rings serving as both handles and talismans for good luck.