Antique Penobscot Splint Ash and Sweetgrass Handled Basket Vase antique wooden cherub the cover illustration of which

the cover illustration of which she closely resembles:)

I would guess this piece dates to the mid 20th century

which I think may be an animal

as documented in photos--largely only noticeable under bright light and magnification

more than a little goofy

Antique Penobscot Splint Ash and Sweetgrass Handled Basket Vase antique wooden cherub the cover illustration of whichThis is a lovely Penobscot (Native New England) splint ash and sweetgrass basket woven around a glass jar to serve as a vase. The splint ash visible on the bottom of the basket has been dyed a blue green, and the the sweetgrass on the sides and lip has been braided and woven in both single and double strands. The sides of the vase are finished with two large circular ash ring handles which are bound with ash splints in the "Penobscot star" pattern. I