-Basket Bank (Smooth)- still bank c. 1902

"Basket Bank (Smooth)" is a small, metal bank in the shape of a basket, created by Charles A. Braun circa 1902. It is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The bank is crafted from dark metal with a brown, weathered finish, and features two small iron handles and a lid with a wood knob. The piece is a charming example of American folk art, a style characterized by its handcrafted, simple, and often whimsical aesthetic. These small banks were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as a practical means for children to save their coins.