Vintage Printed Cat in Christmas Basket with Mouse

This friendly kitty cat has taken up residence in a round basket with an unusual companion that just happens to be a mouse. Upon insistence from the cat the mouse gave in and decorated the basket for the holidays. Is this where the Peace on Earth comes into play? Everything inside the basket is included in this unique gathering.

Nicely woven 19th century splint basket lends a pronounced “kicked-up” bottom and has great form. The top lapped over band has been reinforced using nailed construction. Four nails are missing spaced at random with some related cracks in the wood where the nails are located. All weavers are intact and tight. Overall good condition sporting a nutmeg hue that time helped create.

Vintage cloth cat (exact age unknown) has been printed and shows very detailed features. There is some light toning on his head and the body but visually is hard to detect. He was stuffed and shows hand stitches on the bottom. Kitty sports a crimson fabric muffler and of course has a separate necklace equipped with three rusty bells just in case he gets lost. Very nice condition without any holes or rips to report.

A plump, contemporary recumbent mouse fashioned from osnaburg fabric possesses hand stitched eyes, applied ears, whiskers and a long tail. He is as cute as a button and enjoys peering out of the basket. Excellent condition!

An array of holiday greens was added along with berries and silk holly that add plenty of holiday cheer. Nothing is glued in so the contents can be removed after the holidays which presents an opportunity to use the basket for something else such as a utensil holder in your kitchen or would also make a nice display for old cookie cutters too. A plant is another option. Enjoy!

Overall height to the top of the cats’ ears is 11” tall, basket alone stands 5 ¼” tall, measures 6 ½” across the top and measures 5” across the bottom. Kitty stands9 ¼” tall measures 2 ½” across (face) and measures 4 ¼” across the bottom. Mouse measures 4 ½” across the bottom while the tail is 7” long, stands 1 ½” tall @ the tallest point (rear).