Monday, June 16, 2014

Collecting Vintage Japanese Basket Suitcases


Decorating With Old Rattan Suitcases

When you visit Queen Anne Antiques in Canton, CT, you will find stacks of vintage Japanese basket suitcases displayed in all sizes, in several spots in the shop on route 44 in Canton, CT. April is a collector of these unique carfrying cases which are from the 1940s and beyond. Used for many purposes, these basket weaved suitcases appear to be made from either Bamboo or Wicker Rattan tropical grasses. She has them priced from $35-65.00.

Bamboo Versus Wicker Rattan Basket Suitcases 

If you are wondering what the difference is between Bamboo and Wicker Rattan, Wicker is made from rattan cane and Bamboo is a woody tropical grass which is hollow.

I asked April, what exactly she does with these suitcases which she has collected for years and now has brought into her shop. April said she likes to create vignettes with them and even stores some of her favortite collectibles inside. Many people alsothe larger carriers as luggage and the smaller ones for picnics.

If you know more about this topic, please leave a comment. We would love to learn more.

Photos taken by C. Dianne Zweig at Queen Anne Antiques in Canton, CT

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro cafĂ©. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

2 comments:

  1. I have several of these in different sizes and use them for crafting storage. I did not know what they were called. They do make nice displays.
    Smiles, Cyndi

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  2. Have you seen this wall of suitcases? http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=suitcase+wall&go=&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=suitcase+wall&sc=8-5&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=5ABF861B1D71EEA30B824F128E81A8ADDDBD3A04&selectedIndex=15

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