Jose Formosa Reyes (Filipino-American, 1902-1980), Nantucket Basket

Circa 1960s, cane woven basket with wood base, signed to underside.

8 1/2 x 15 x 13 in.

From the Estate of Dr. Charles & Shirley Herring, Kinston, North Carolina

Lightship basket maker, Jose Formoso Reyes, was born in the Philippines and educated in the United States, eventually receiving a M.Ed. from Harvard University. He automatically received his U.S. citizenship in 1947 after his discharge from the U.S. Army with a rank of Captain. That year he was invited to vacation on Nantucket and never left. Reyes was drawn to basket making applying the weaving skills he learned in the Philippines. Encouraged by basket-making friend Mitchy Ray, Reyes began a new career. In 1948, he created the now sought-after "friendship basket" pocketbook. It's estimated that in his lifetime, he made over 5,000 baskets.

Wear to caning and wood; a few small breaks and minor losses.