Small Oval Attributed to Mitchy Ray

Great condition with a dark honey paitina. Constructed with Oak staves, handle with Mahogany bottom.  6" long, 4 ¾” wide and 3 ½” high to the rim, c. 1930-1940. Clinton Mitchell Ray (1877-1956) was a third generation basket maker on Nantucket and one the most prolific basket weavers on Island. He taught the art form to young school teacher by the name of Jose Reyes.The grandson of Capt. Charles B. Ray, he wove early on as a child and was one of the Island weavers that kept the craft from dying out in the early 20th century.
One of his later baskets made in the 1950's, the staves and handle are both made of oak with a mahogany base. Most of the poem label still remains on the exterior bottom; "I was made in Nantucket, I’m strong and stout. Don’t lose me or burn me and I’ll never wear out."