Vintage Chinese wicker hen basket with lid, circa 1970s, handwoven in natural rattan, wicker, and bamboo reed with carved and painted wood details. The piece features a rounded lidded body, sculptural hen head, red painted comb and wattle, pointed beak, applied wing details, upright tail feathers, and a removable top that opens to reveal a small interior storage compartment. This model belongs to the tradition of Chinese decorative animal-form basketry widely collected for its handmade construction, domestic charm, and sculptural folk-art presence.

The construction is especially strong, with tight vertical weaving across the body, a fitted lid, and dimensional carved elements that define the bird’s face, wing, and tail. Unlike open baskets, this lidded hen form functions as a small covered container, making it ideal for eggs, napkins, small household objects, or purely decorative display. The warm honey-brown surface and red painted accents give the piece a classic country and folk character.

Today, this vintage Chinese wicker hen basket works beautifully as a tabletop object, kitchen accent, shelf piece, or collectible animal-form basket. Its lidded form adds function, while its sculptural silhouette gives it enough presence to stand alone in rustic, folk art, cottage, farmhouse, coastal, or eclectic interiors.

Dimensions:

6 inches x 4 inches x 6.5 inches