Two Sages Outside a Basket Shop

This basket shop on the Borgo Gianotti in Lucca is the largest in town. It is cavernous and is stocked with every kind of basket imaginable, including rattan and bamboo furniture, wooden kitchen equipment, wine and olive oil bottles and other necessities of life. They do a roaring trade in baskets at Christmas when people make up hampers full of goodies to give as gifts.

The owner is on the right, smoking a large cigar. He lost "the son of my heart" in a road accident two years ago and has not been as jolly since. He always sits outside his shop on fine days where he and other worthies discuss affairs of state.