Virginia Key BasketsKey baskets seem to have become popular in the early 19th century predominately in Virginia and North Carolina. They were treasured gifts of adoration to a bride in recognition of her new role as mistress of the household. Some surviving examples show decoration using the bride's initials and designs representing affection, happiness, and prosperity. Many extant examples bear the maker's mark of various saddlers and harness makers of the period. As keys of the period were large and numerable, a basket of this type could contain them in a central location, such as the foyer. The basket could also be used to transport them to the various rooms and cupboards of the great house, as well as the associated outbuildings relating to the household operation, such as kitchens, smokehouses, etc. |
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