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Handwoven Bamboo Basket of the Cotu (Katu) People of Central Vietnam
[vie03051110]
shipping weight: 1 LB
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I discovered this basket in Vietnam last year and thought it was wonderfully unique. I love encountering old baskets and it’s always a pleasure when their history shows through their character. This basket has several unique qualities about it. It’s been mis-shapened by use and in turn has attained a charming, “wobbly” quality. This unique character is similar to the “natural” and “rough” qualities of “wabi-sabi” that master Japanese Ikebana basket weavers, painstakingly and consciously attempt to “recreate” through years of artistry and craftsmanship.
Because of its size and shape, and because it has loops for tethering, it’s possible that it was meant to be worn at the hip of an adult or on the back of a child. Whichever purpose it served, the surface that rubbed on the back/hip of the wearer has slowly worn into a shiny light sheen over the years, adding gradation and character to the patina it has accumulated. This gorgeous patina is very sought after and can only be attained by years of exposure to certain elements in its use: oil, dirt, juices of the product being carried, etc.
The hill tribe peoples spread throughout Vietnam, all make baskets. This one comes from the Cotu people in central Vietnam. There is wear on this basket and the Cotu tribesman who owned this one has repaired it in a very interesting way. One of the tethering loops that was broken has been replaced. Often (to the disparage of our ethnocentric sensibilities) tribesmen prefer “western” materials to their natural materials. This particular tribesmen has resourcefully replaced the bamboo tethering loop with one he fashioned from a shoelace!
This basket is made of bamboo, using the one over two technique. The top and bottom have been braided for reinforcement. There is some wear to the braiding at the corners of the bottom of the basket. Only three vertical support braids have been woven to this basket as the fourth side of the basket would be rubbing against the body of the wearer and a braid would be awkward and uncomfortable.
Hand woven in bamboo, this basket measures 8” high, 6.5” wide at the bulge and 5” wide where narrow. Cotu culture, central Vietnam, late 20th century.
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$50.00
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