A late 19th or early 20th c. gathering basket  in original chrome yellow and light blue paint. 
Constructed entirely of ash wood in uncommon fashion. Several of its build features are of unusual and uncommon design lending to uniqueness of its character. The addition of painted tin runners woven into its base, two lone perpendicular wide wefts intersecting mid points throughout its body, a widely coiled rim weaver and a triple layered handle, all fall out of the boundaries of standardized basketry construction seen in the Midwest and Northeast. 
The handle itself is of special interest with its layered makeup. The maker likely employed this type of handle to allow both flexibility and rigidity delue to the delicate nature of the body. 
The most magnificent feature is its paint. Painted painstakingly post construction, two vibrant colors were chosen to decorate in a pattern which enlightens its appearance. 
Survives in excellent original condition with a single old weaver seperation and retains superlative paint surface qualities, implying careful use during its working period.
A marvelous basket to be celebrated for its  beauty and unusual construction. 
American, Midwest or Northeast origin. Ca. 1900. 12 1/4"W x 10 1/"T.