Lovely Old Abenaki "Porcupine Quill" Splint Basket with Flat Lid tin count bank and there's even some darkening

and there's even some darkening to the bottom as if heated over a stove

and individually hand-painted

but first the box

with two hens to keep him company

It's June as I post this--the time of the year when I want cut flowers in every room--and this pitcher is 100% perfect for a big bunch of peonies

Lovely Old Abenaki "Porcupine Quill" Splint Basket with Flat Lid tin count bank and there's even some darkeningI believe this is specifically Mi'kmaq, though I have found Passamaquoddy attributed baskets also showing "porcupine quill" curlicue splint weaving like this clearly Abenaki (Northeast Woodlands Native America, a confederacy comprised of five tribes) in any case, and clearly a beautiful example! Late 19th very early 20th century I believe, finely constructed and in near perfect condition, with a very rich warm dry patina to the splint, and sweetgrass