Vintage Indonesian Handmade Wood Carved Alligator Rattan Basket 40 years old

Description

I bought this basket in 2011 from the now closed Oceania Etc. store in Delray Beach, Florida. The owners were very knowledgeable.  This is what they told me about the basket:  It was at least 30 years old, hand carved, minute coiled rattan weave. It took one month to reduce the fiber to a very thin band, weave, and carve the basket. Tight double weave. Sometimes used as a presentation box for weddings. Made of orchid grass from the Dendrobium orchid. Rosewood carving. Probably made on Lambok Island due to its quality.  This is what I can tell you about the basket: While in my care it has largely been in storage.  It is 6 1/2 inches long by 5 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches tall not including the alligator. It has one BROKEN stitch on the bottom (pic10).  Otherwise basket is in good condition.  The weaves are smooth and the fibers are not dried or brittle.  Lid fits tight.  Footed bottom.  Alligator has nice detail. I will include information given to me when I purchased it. I also found some info about the store on Tikiroom.com. I love baskets but my collection has gotten too large.