Large Woven Basket from Artek – Handcrafted Rattan - Mid-Century Finland

An exceptional large-scale woven basket with bold presence and quiet detail. The geometric herringbone weave, natural sheen, and curved profile all point to the work of a highly skilled maker. Light and airy yet impressively strong, the form is reinforced with a sturdy wooden hoop bound in tight cane wrap — a construction detail more often seen in professional studio-level work than casual utility ware.

Originally sold by Artek in the 1950s-1960s as part of their curated selection of Finnish handicrafts, this piece reflects Alvar and Aino Aaltos’ deep respect for organic materials and honest design. The bowl-shaped silhouette speaks to both Nordic folk traditions and Japanese bamboo craft — two key influences in the their design thinking. It’s quietly modern, deeply functional, and surprisingly rare in this condition and size.

Founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen, and Nils-Gustav Hahl, Artek set out to merge modernist ideals with handcraft and tradition. Alongside their iconic furniture, they offered baskets, textiles, and utility objects by Finnish artisans who shared their values: clarity of form, honest function, and durable materials made to last. This basket is a rare example of that legacy — an everyday object elevated by care, skill, and design.

Baskets of this kind — especially with a confirmed background — are exceptionally hard to come by. They were never mass-produced, rarely signed, and seldom resurface in today’s market. This example is part of a larger authenticated collection and is the only one of its kind we’ve seen to date. 

We love this as a floor basket, blanket holder, or sculptural centrepiece. Practical, beautiful and quietly exceptional — a rare find for collectors and lovers of Nordic craft and modernist folk forms.

✦ Ø 50 cm, height 26 cm
✦ Material: Handwoven rattan
✦ Technique: Zig-zag herringbone weave
✦ Period: 1950s–1960s
✦ Sold by Artek
✦ Excellent vintage condition - light wear and patina consistent with age
✦ Part of a larger authenticated collection of Artek-era baskets

➤ FREE SHIPPING – This item ships for free within Finland! All orders over 100€ qualify - no code needed, it’s automatically applied at checkout. We pack like the pros we are and ship from our store in Karjaa.
➤ FREE DELIVERY – We offer free doorstep delivery for this item to Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa — and most places in-between, nearby and along the way from Karjaa. Usually every Monday. Just drop us a message to confirm.
➤ FREE PICK-UP – Prefer picking up your order? Choose either our store in Karjaa or our Helsinki pick-up point at checkout.