Need To Know About Carved Wooden Basket

[leaner2]

This is really beautiful wood. I am trying to figure out if it was carved, or put on some kind of machine to achieve such a smooth finish.  Also, the inside sort of looks like birds eye maple in some areas. It is not signed anywhere. Pics are done with the flash except the last one.

Has anyone seen anything similar? Don't want to give it away if it might be something valuable.

[mdtracy]

Don't know the value, but it looks like a basket hand made from burled wood. You should be able to do a little research on your own from here, but here is an example of what you have. Pretty cool.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LARGE-BIO-MORPHIC-WOOD-BURL-BOWL-SCULPTURE-JERE-ERA-NAKASHIMA-MODERN-/351424...

[taupou]

Yes, I've seen a lot of them at local flea markets and import shops.  They are burl baskets, from China, available in several sizes.   Popular decorator items, but probably minimal resale value.  Some inventive buyers have taken to woodburning "signatures" into the base, so beware....

[leaner2]

Thanks.
I should have looked at listed wooden baskets. Found some very similar to mine.

[leaner2]

Thanks for your reply.
I should have used my head and did a search on listed wooden baskets. There are several very similar to mine.