The clipper ships and the whaling industry sent sailors ‘round the world and introduced them to rattan cane, exotic wood, dyes and reed. On their return voyages, crew members would give gifts to the lightship sailors who guided their ships over the dangerous shoals.

The lightship crews used North American hardwoods like cherry, maple, hickory, walnut and oak or exotic woods like ebony, tamarind, and ipe which they wove with reed, pounded ash, waxed string and even hemp, using ash or rattan cane staves. Sailors are, by nature, a resourceful lot and often baskets could incorporate gem stones or ... whatever.

The result is both strong and beautiful.