Sweet Old Sailor Made Heavily Varnished Knotwork Basket

I love old sailor made knotwork/macrame baskets like this, crafted from fishing twine while men were out at sea, intended as sweetheart gifts to be delivered upon return home. Some sailors were more ambitious than others; this is a relatively simple one, but I think that is very much to the good! And it was finished with an especially heavy layer of varnish, also to the good, as any future slumping was completely staved off. Nice rich brown color, and with a nice interplay of delicacy and sturdiness. 

5 3/4" d x 1 7/8" t. Very good condition, c. late 19th century.