Richmond, Virginia, circa 1840, tapering oval form featuring red stained heart-shaped appliques at the handle juncture and red leather interior, the sides decorated with tooled heart, star, and diamond motifs alongside initials M M K, within foliate and marquise form borders, underside centering an embossed star within lozenge.

4 1/4 x 8 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.

The Estate of the late Dr. Larry Southworth, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Traditionally thought to have been given as wedding presents to aid the new bride in managing the marriage household, this example bears the embossed initials of the owner/bride “M M K" to the side.

Similar examples to this form and decoration can be found at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (object number 95.80), as well as important private collections. Similar Richmond Virginia key baskets can be found in the MESDA database (including photo numbers: NN-491and NN-492), showing matching heart and diamond motif handle attachments and tooled designs.

Lacking to handle; some staining and areas of surface rubbing and wear to leather, some edge losses to red leather interior.