An exceptional 19th c. rye basket in original Windsor green and oyster white painted interior.
Constructed of rye straw and white oak splint. The body is coiled in a basin shape and flat footed with the coiling crown started on its base. The corresponding lid associates in identical fashion, coiled outward from a lightly domed crown producing ornamentation and laid flat thereafter to its edge. Offset corresponding coiling produces a tight edge, forming its lip. 
19th c. Pennsylvania coiled baskets in this style almost always were made with 3/8" or 1/4" coiling, producing a nicely coiled and tight weave. This example far surpasses the normality of construction with an extremely fine weave at 1/8"W coiling and lashed with oak lashings as fine as 1/16"W. 
Likely used as an occasional household storage container for bread by evidence of virtually no wear on its interior. The fine craftsmanship and almost airtight design reinforces this. 
Retains an extrodinarily fine painted surface exhibiting the best of patina and oxidation on both its interior and exterior. Remains in overall very good original condition with minor areas of splint loss or wear associated with in-period use. Given the age and technique of crafting, the condition should be considered carefully when compared to the often wish for perfection. 
An extrodinary example of the practiced craft of rye basketry elevated in all aspects of itself and a stand-alone example in the general art of basketet. 
Pennsylvania origin. Ca. 1860-1880. 12  1/2"W x 6"T.