{"product_id":"antique-himalayan-hide-covered-storage-basket-with-forged-iron-hardware","title":"Antique Himalayan | Hide-Covered Storage Basket with Forged Iron Hardware |  Late 19th–Early 20th Century","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"33\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"31\"\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"46\"\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Himalayan Region \/ Tibet or Nepal\u003cbr data-start=\"80\" data-end=\"83\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"96\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Woven reed, hide\/leather covering, and forged iron hardware\u003cbr data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"159\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"159\" data-end=\"170\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th–Early 20th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"220\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"203\" data-end=\"218\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"222\" data-end=\"740\"\u003eThis rare and visually striking Himalayan storage container or traveling provisions basket is an exceptional example of traditional mountain craftsmanship combining woven reed construction with thick hide or leather reinforcement and hand-forged iron fittings. Containers of this type were historically used throughout Tibet, Nepal, and neighboring Himalayan regions for the secure storage and transport of foodstuffs, butter, tea, grains, ritual items, or valuable household goods during travel across rugged terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"742\" data-end=\"1269\"\u003eThe basket features a tightly coiled and woven reed body with an oval form and fitted lid, both constructed using traditional spiral weaving techniques visible throughout the interior. The exterior is entirely wrapped in darkened hide or leather panels secured with hand-forged iron staples and pierced fastening points. Two elongated forged iron clasp elements secure the front of the container, while a large suspension ring at the top suggests the piece may have originally been hung, carried, or suspended during transport.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1660\"\u003eThe interior reveals an intricate woven support structure with radial reinforcing elements beneath the lid, demonstrating sophisticated indigenous basket-making methods designed for durability and long-term practical use. The heavy surface wear, shrinkage, cracking, oxidation to the iron components, and rich dark patina strongly indicate authentic age and prolonged utilitarian handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1921\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1919\"\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Authentic Himalayan woven storage or travel container\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Handwoven reed and coiled basketry construction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Thick hide or leather exterior covering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-forged iron clasps and suspension ring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Traditional indigenous mountain craftsmanship\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rich aged patina and extensive period wear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Strong sculptural and ethnographic display presence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Rare survival example with original structural components intact\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2348\" data-end=\"2375\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2348\" data-end=\"2373\"\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2377\" data-end=\"2955\"\u003eStorage and transport vessels such as this played an important role in Himalayan domestic and nomadic life, particularly in remote mountain communities where durable handcrafted containers were essential for preserving and carrying provisions. The combination of basketry, leatherwork, and iron hardware reflects the practical ingenuity of Himalayan artisans adapting natural materials to harsh environmental conditions. Surviving examples provide valuable insight into traditional regional craft traditions and everyday life throughout Tibet and neighboring Himalayan cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"2972\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"2970\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2974\" data-end=\"3401\"\u003eDisplays substantial age-related wear, surface abrasions, cracking, material losses, shrinkage, oxidation to the iron hardware, and structural irregularities consistent with prolonged traditional use and age. The hide covering shows areas of separation and deterioration, while the woven interior remains largely intact. Overall, the piece retains excellent authenticity, strong visual character, and impressive display appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"28\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"28\"\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"30\" data-end=\"42\"\u003eWidth: 11 in\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 9.5 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 7.5 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"96\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"75\" data-end=\"96\"\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"98\" data-end=\"115\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e100–140 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2819\" data-end=\"2826\"\u003eProvenance \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2830\" data-end=\"2864\"\u003eFrom a private collection in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The collector was a lifelong traveler throughout the Himalayan and Tibetan regions, assembling a carefully curated collection of ethnographic, religious, and cultural objects acquired during his extensive journeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGain insight into the traditional craftsmanship and culture of Himalayan mountain communities through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.himalayanart.org\/\" title=\"Traditional Craftsmanship of the Himalayas\"\u003eHimalayan Art Resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/cultural-ethnographic\" title=\"Explore Cultural \u0026amp; Ethnographic Artifacts at Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Cultural \u0026amp; Ethnographic Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54075162624322,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-himalayan-woven-travel-storage-container.png?v=1780016048","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/antique-himalayan-hide-covered-storage-basket-with-forged-iron-hardware","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}