CHARLES II BEADWORK BASKET, CIRCA 1680 |

in multi-coloured beads worked on a cream silk ground with openwork sides; the base with a raised-work courting couple flanked by a leopard, lion, castle, pear and orange trees; the sides and handles in blue and white with flowers in each corner; with a protective Perspex case; losses and restoration to openwork

Leslie Maas

Milwaukee Art Museum, Strung, Woven, Knitted and Sewn: Beadwork from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, November 21, 1997- January 18, 1998

Scattered losses and minor oxidation to beads throughout, with some splits to wires in pierced trellis sides, and one section restored entirely with white beads; visible in catalogue photographs. Raised work panel with losses and disclouration to silk ground and scattered losses and lifting to beadwork elements, consistent with age. Metal frame slightly mis-shapen in places, commensurate with age and handling.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Beadwork basets are also called layette baskets, as their form is based on silver baskets meant to hold the linen of a newborn child at its christening.  It is also suggested they were offered as gifts for a betrothal or wedding, as they could hold the gloves of the bride or spices and herbs traditionally passed around during the nuptial ceremony.  Like needlework trays and caskets, beadwork objects formed part of the domestic arts practised by wealthy ladies during the 17th century using glass beads imported from Venice or Amsterdam and wire frameworks supplied by specialist manufacturers. Baskets of a similar form depicting King Charles II and Queen Catherine of Braganza are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, illustrated in A. Morrall and M. Watt, English Embroidery from the Metropolitan Museum 1580-1700, 'Twixt Art and Nature, New York, Bard Graduate Center, 2008, p.34-35.