Belleek Collector's Legacy Basket #48 of 65 Last BCIS Piece 2011 Rare

Description

Up for auction is a Belleek Collector's Legacy Basket.  This stunning woven basket is the final piece offered by The Pottery to the Belleek Collector's International Society (BCIS) members.  There were only 65 made, the number ordered by the members, and the piece was then retired.  The Collector's Legacy Basket was never offered to the general buying public.  Originally priced by Belleek to members for 0.00 in 2011, this beautiful basket is rarely seen for purchase.
The 4-strand basket is 10" in diameter and stands 1 1/4" in height.  On the bottom is a porcelain pad, unique to this piece, in BCIS red with the initial "P" from the individual artist and #48 in 22K gold, of 65 made.
Condition:  I have examined the Collector's Legacy Basket with a magnifying glass and can see no damage.  The gorgeous hand-formed and -painted flowers - roses, daffoldils, thistles and shamrocks - leaves and decorative pad are pristine.  The colors are vibrant and unfaded.  All flowers are highlighted in my photos.
I have two of these baskets and will be listing the 2nd one in a few weeks.
For those interested, here are the comments on the Collector's Legacy Basket by Belleek Head Designer Fergus Cleary, from the BCIS Newsletter, Vol.3, 2009 & Vol. 2, 2011 ~
When researching early Belleek, a common theme, especially in flowered ware and baskets, is the use of the flowers representing Ireland, Scotland and England, the Shamrock, Thistle and Rose.  The obvious reason for this combination is that it represented the political entity of Britain as it was in the latter part of the 19th century.  Incidentally, Wales was left out of this symbolism as it was not considered a kingdom but a mere principality!
The Collector's Legacy Basket, whilst using these same flowers, takes a different symbolism for its combination of flowers with the addition of the daffodil to represent Wales.  This basket is a celebration of the work of the people who came to Belleek in the 1860s to establish the skills and train the local apprentices who later would contribute to the success of Belleek Pottery.
We are all familiar with the main characters of the story such as William Bromley, William Henshall and William Wood Gallimore, but there are others, the craftsmen who have largely been forgotten over time.  People such as Sam Scarlett, Mouldmaker; Joseph Astley, Modeler; J. Ellis, Painter; E.W. Swann, Painter; Thomas McDermott, Painter; and Robert Ryles, Engraver.  Many others, such as Patterson, Bowler, McFerrin and Rankin, are recorded as names but little is known of their time at Belleek.  It has been generally presumed that they came from Staffordshire, but by then the area was a magnet for craftsmen from all over Ireland, Scotland and Wales as well as England.   Although we cannot be sure, judging by the names above, the people who came to Belleek were from all over the British Isles and perhaps their fondness of using the combination of the Rose, Thistle and Shamrock was also a celebration of their own particular roots.
The Collector's Legacy Basket designed by Claire Rowe and crafted by John Doogan is available only to members of the Belleek Collector's Society; and to make it more special, its production will be limited to the number ordered by September 20th, 2011.  The end issue number will be set and the basket will never be made again.  Each basket will also be offered with a certificate of authenticity.
The Collector's Legacy Basket will be on sale for US 0 plus postage and packing.
Your basket will be insured, carefully packed and shipped to you with USPS Priority mail, to US only please.  All questions are welcome and thanks for looking!
Payment is due 2 days after auction ends unless prior arrangements have been made.
At that time, item will be relisted and unpaid invoice filed.  Your item will be shipped out within 24 hours of receiving payment.  Please message me through ebay with any questions
before
bidding.  All items are sold
as-is.