Early Belleek Lattice Basket c.1880

This stunning Belleek lattice basket is a rare find – the Irish pottery’s fine three-strand Shamrock design, with rose and chrysanthemum appliqués, in classic Belleek parianware. The form is shown on page 70 of Richard D Degenhardt’s authoritative reference work “Belleek – the Complete Collector’s Guide and Illustrated Reference” as pattern D109, Shamrock Basket, and is shown in the company’s seminal 1904 catalogue. The First Period pad, bearing the words “Belleek – Co Fermanagh”, dates the piece to no later than 1889. For an antique piece, the condition is superb, with almost all of the most delicate details preserved perfectly. A few tiny points of wear and original manufacturing imperfections are shown in the close-up photographs. It is very rare to find a First Period Belleek basket in this kind of condition.