Nantucket Lightship Basket Purses, Set of Three

Story

In the 19th century, crewmen aboard Nantucket lightships wove sturdy baskets to pass the long, lonely hours at sea. By the 1940s, legendary weaver Jose Formoso Reyes revolutionized the craft by adding a lid and a decorative carved plaque, transforming a rugged utility basket into a coveted high-society handbag.

Maker / Origin

While these baskets do not bear an immediately visible signature, they are crafted in the highly influential style of Jose Formoso Reyes, a Harvard-educated immigrant from the Philippines who settled on Nantucket.

Condition & Value

The baskets appear to be in good vintage condition with a warm, aged patina to the rattan. There is some minor dust accumulation in the crevices and slight wear consistent with age, but the hinges, clasps, and plaques appear intact. Excellent preservation of the weave structure maintains their value.