Wire basket sculpture with 19th-century antique bone counters, One of a kind upcycled art object, Minimalist wire art

Design wire basket sculpture made with antique bone gaming tokens – One-of-a-kind piece

THE STORY BEHIND THE PIECE: A RETURN TO ROOTS

This wire basket sculpture tells the story of my studio.
Since my teenage years, I have been hunting for, collecting, and amassing antique objects—found items, forgotten materials, and fragments of past lives.
In 2008, when I opened my Etsy shop "De Beaux Souvenirs," I created my first baskets using wooden gaming tokens. It involves the same gesture and the same intention—assembling what lies around and giving a second life to what is waiting—but now backed by 19 years of expertise.
I had kept these tokens in my studio for over a decade. Rediscovered just a few weeks ago, I am now reimagining them through a minimalist, clean, and decidedly modern design approach.It is all these secondhand finds that gave my shop, De Beaux Souvenirs, its name.

THE CRAFTSMANSHIP: HIGH-PRECISION WEAVING TECHNIQUE
This piece is entirely handcrafted by me in my studio. I developed a specific technique for weaving annealed wire to delicately encase each antique bone token. This meticulous and complex weaving process requires no welding; the tension and interlacing of the wire give the piece remarkable structural integrity while maintaining a sense of visual lightness.

CONCEPTS AND AESTHETICS
This unique artwork features authentic 19th-century (circa 1850) natural bone parlor game counters. Originally crafted for antique gaming boxes, they bring a historical patina and an exclusive ivory hue to the sculpture.
This sculpture plays on contrasts:
The structure: Raw, graphic black annealed wire creates an airy silhouette.
The detail: The tokens add organic softness, a unique ivory hue, and the patina of time.
Void and form: Conceived as an upcycled art object, this basket casts fascinating graphic shadows when exposed to light.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Materials: Black annealed wire, authentic vintage bone tokens (upcycled).
Dimensions: 15 cm x 15 cm. ( 6" x 6")
Weight: 150 grams. ( 5.3 oz)
Craftsmanship: 100% handmade in France.
Exclusivity: One-of-a-kind piece, signed by the artist.

CARE AND DISPLAY INSTRUCTIONS
To preserve the natural patina of the annealed wire, avoid humid environments. This sculpture is best displayed on a minimalist piece of furniture, a shelf, or a sideboard—ideally near a light source to appreciate the interplay of its lines and cast shadows.