Unusual Antique New England Hourglass Shaped Dark Splint Basket horsehair brush with turned wood handle I have to stop myself

I have to stop myself from accumulating too many

where they can be appreciated every day

with this juicy hand-painted Ace of Hearts on the top announcing it as a box for playing cards

3 3/4" across at base

repeated four times around the perimeter of the basket

Unusual Antique New England Hourglass Shaped Dark Splint Basket horsehair brush with turned wood handle I have to stop myselfWhat an extraordinarily beautiful basket I think this is, and it is one I handle pretty carefully as I believe it is really very old and somewhat fragile. I have looked at lots and lots of antique woven splint baskets, and have found next to none with this sort of hour glass shape. With its narrow neck, it might have been used for holding something live that might have the capacity to jump out! The fixed handle is carved wood notched just above and