Vintage Chinese Wicker Hen Basket with Lid, Rattan and Bamboo, 1970s

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.

Details

• 1stDibs reference: LU10969250189632
• Period: Mid-20th Century
• Date: 1970
• Origin: China
• Materials: Rattan
• Techniques: Hand-Crafted
• Style: Rustic
• Dimensions: H 6.5 × W 4 × D 6 IN
• Condition: GOOD