Antique Nantucket Basket by Rowland Folger

Antique Nantucket Basket made by Rowland Folger (1803-1883). Signed inside with his signature stencil mark. Owner's name (illegible) marked on top of swing handle. Great aged dark patina. Measures 9" diameter by 6" tall.

Rowland Folger stands as one of the earliest identified makers of rattan baskets in the style now known as the Nantucket lightship basket. Folger was never connected to any of the island’s lightships, but produced his baskets ashore for sale in his own store.

Historian Stuart Frank notes, “Rowland Folger’s baskets were woven by an enterprising businessman who was deeply rooted and broadly connected to the mainstream of Nantucket social, commercial, and intellectual circles; unlike the isolated crews sequestered on lightships, Folger had daily contact and interactions with all kinds of folks on the island, and daily experienced the ebb and flow of island affairs. This signifies that Nantucket baskets are even more truly representative of the unique circumstances and cultural effervescence of Nantucket down through almost two centuries.”