Nantucket Basket by José Reyes c.1970s

Name: Nantucket Basket by José Reyes c.1970s
Brand: Jose Reyes
Availability: OutOfStock

PRIVATE COLLECTION

ASK ABOUT THIS PIECE

As Nantucket baskets find a new audience, it’s worth sharing the stories of the makers behind them. José Formoso Reyes was a master of his craft, and his friendship baskets remain highly sought after. This family piece is part of our private collection

SIZE & DETAILS

Maker: José Formoso Reyes
Origin: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Form: Lidded basket purse
Handle: Curved wooden swing handle
Decoration: Two carved birds on an oval wooden lid plaque
Markings: Signed on the underside, with “Made in Nantucket” and an outline of Nantucket Island
Availability: Private collection. Not for sale.

STORY

José Formoso Reyes brought his weaving skills from the Philippines to Nantucket, where he settled with his family in 1947. An educator with degrees from Reed College and Harvard, he was unable to find a teaching position because of discrimination. With encouragement from island basket maker Mitchell Ray, he began a new chapter in his working life.

In 1948, Reyes developed the lidded basket pocketbook that became known as the friendship basket. His work gave a traditional island craft a new place in everyday life.

This example has a deep, warm patina, a curved wooden handle and two carved birds in flight on the lid. The fine woven texture and smooth wood sit beautifully together, with age visible in the surfaces and details. The underside bears his signature, “Made in Nantucket” and an outline of the island.

A family piece, shown here as part of our private collection. Not for sale.

CONDITION

Vintage condition with warm patina and visible surface wear.

Tonal variation across the woven body and lid. Surface wear to the wooden handle and lid plaque, with rubbing and marks to the underside. Please refer to the photographs for detail.

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