Historical information

This handmade basket is typical of baskets used for domestic purposes for many years in the early to mid 20th century.
It was produced in Australia by Graf's. Wicker baskets were popular at this time as they were light but durable. They were made in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including laundry baskets, storage items in the home, in shops and by travelling hawkers. Wicker was also a common material used for furniture. Vintage baskets by Graf's are still in demand by collectors.

Franz and Anneliese Graf arrived in Australia about 1960 and spent time at the Bonegilla Migrant Camp where one of their sons Arnold was born. They moved to Melbourne and began Graf’s basket making business soon after. The basket in our Collection brings the Graf story full circle back to its Australian roots.

Significance

This item is significant as it is representative of basketry items popular throughout Australia in the 1960s. This basket was hand-made in Australia and used by a resident of the Wodonga District.

Physical description

A woven cane shopping basket with a wooden base and single bamboo handle. The basket is made from mixed weaving of cane and light-blue strips.

Inscriptions & markings

Underneath basket: Original GRAF'S Basket Hand made in AUSTRALIA
On metal attached to handle: GRAF’S HANDLE BINDING, PAT.PEND