The open baskets made aboard the New South Shoal lightship were quickly put to good use in practical 19th century Nantucket homes. However those nominally "utilitarian" baskets so treasured today were sufficiently beautiful as to need no purpose to justify their existence.

Well-constructed descendants of those unique baskets continue to serve as useful containers - trays, bread baskets, tote baskets, needlework baskets. Yet more often their simple grace, pleasing proportions and rich patina serve to bring warmth and pleasure to their new homes.

Open baskets, like purses, can be round or oval. Both can be incorporated into "nests" - series of graduated baskets that fit within each other. Challenging to construct, nests date to the lightship era.

Personalization is often added to open baskets with ivory - inlaid scrimmed discs, ornate ivory handle overlays, or more simple ivory name plates that can be attached to a handle or added to the side of a tote.

Tote Bag

Fourteen Inches Long - Cherry Staves and Rim, Braided Leather Handles

Nest

Three to Twelve Inches - Cane Staves & Oak Handles

Twenty Inch Round

Cherry Staves, Base, Rim and Side Handles - Base Inlaid with Three Inch Scrimshawed Ivory Disc