Regency green‑painted log basket, c.1810 with lion mask handles and original liner

A diminutive and charming early‑19th‑century Regency log basket with worn green paint, lion mask handles, and its original liner - versatile as a log holder, wine cooler, or decorative accent Why We Love This … This Regency log basket is one of those rare pieces that feels both practical and poetic. Its worn green paint, lion mask handles, and original liner give it a sculptural presence, while its scale makes it wonderfully versatile. Though perfect for logs, its proportions and construction strongly suggest it once served as a wine or champagne cooler - and it still carries that sense of conviviality and welcome.   It’s the kind of object that elevates a hallway, fireside, garden gathering, or kitchen with effortless charm. At a Glance Characteristics • Early‑19th‑century Regency metal basket • Original worn green paint • Lion mask ring handles • Original internal liner • Diminutive, easy‑to‑carry scale • Ideal as log basket, wine cooler, planter, or decorative accent • Dimensions: H: 30cm (11.8")W: 46cm (18.1")D: 36cm (14.2") • Condition: Full condition notes are listed below with Provenance • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase Heritage, History & Craftsmanship A delightful Regency green‑painted metal basket, c.1810, retaining its original liner and lion mask ring handles. The paint has softened beautifully with age, creating a gentle patina that speaks to decades of domestic use. The scale is particularly appealing - small enough to lift comfortably, yet large enough to serve its purpose with ease. While perfectly suited as a log basket, its proportions and construction strongly evoke its likely original use as a wine or champagne cooler. It remains equally capable today: a charming centrepiece for an outdoor soirée, a welcoming touch in a hallway, or a decorative accent beside the hearth. This is a piece that blends utility with elegance - a hallmark of Regency design. Social History In the Regency period, metal baskets and coolers were common in well‑appointed homes, used for both practical storage and entertaining. Lion mask handles were a fashionable neoclassical motif, symbolising strength and hospitality. Painted finishes, often in greens and ochres, were chosen to harmonise with interior schemes inspired by nature and antiquity. A piece like this would have moved fluidly between roles - from fireside to dining room to garden - reflecting the Regency love of adaptable, decorative household objects. Condition • Worn green paint consistent with age • Original liner present • Lion mask handles secure • Minor surface wear appropriate to period • Structurally sound and ready for use Provenance - Private English Collection From a long‑held English collection with careful preservation.  A certificate of provenance is included with purchase Terminology by Style A classic example of Regency metalwork, featuring neoclassical lion mask motifs and period green paint. These baskets were often used for logs, wine, or household storage, valued for their durability and decorative appeal. Styling Suggestions • Use as a log basket beside a fireplace for instant character • Fill with chilled bottles for outdoor dining or celebrations • Style in a hallway with umbrellas or seasonal foliage • Use as a planter for herbs or indoor greenery • Pair with natural textures - wood, linen, stone - for a layered look Explore Every Facet These images form an essential part of the condition report and are intended to provide complete transparency and confidence in your purchase • Close‑ups of the worn green paint showing its gentle Regency patina • Detailed views of the lion mask handles and their original rings • Interior shots of the original liner and its period wear • Side and angled perspectives to show scale and proportion • Base and rim images confirming structural integrity and stability Sustainable Style Thank you for considering this Regency green‑painted log basket with lion mask handles and liner - a choice that is both culturally and environmentally responsible … in every sense, the most sustainable item is the one that endures. Purchase with Confidence White’s Antiques carefully selects every item for authenticity, character, craftsmanship, and decorative presence - ensuring that each piece carries both aesthetic and historic value. Every item is described and photographed with care, offering complete transparency and confidence in your purchase. We are an established and trusted resource for both trade and private collectors. You are warmly invited to visit our Showroom at The Vinery, Poling, West Sussex, to experience our curated collections firsthand, explore the stories behind each piece, and appreciate these timeless furnishings in person. Delivery & Collection Information • Delivery is not included - please use the Delivery Quote tab prior to purchase • Collection welcome from our Sussex showroom • Local delivery available • Nationwide couriers arranged on request