VINTAGE NICK MOUSEL HAND WOVEN CREEL YAKIMA, WA.

Nick Mousel is considered to be a basket maker "without peer". He came to the Yakima Valley from Luxembourg after the World War I. "The willow he used was gathered along the rivers and creeks in the valley". "His well crafted and sturdy creels were made from whole willow. Mousel boiled his willow, peeled the bark, and kept it wet for ease in weaving". He created a spring wired closing latch which were unique in design for his creels. This creel is a beautiful early example of his work C. 1930. The dark rich brown patina hi-lighted by the contrasting red black wicker band also distinguishes his creel design. That contrasting band could be done in several other colors as well depending on the overall wicker baskets main finish color. This creel measures aproximately 14" wide, by 6" front to back, by 8" tall at its back. It was not found with a harness strap with was an aftermarket purchase.