The design of this basket in the neoclassical style, using garlands and ovals with portrait medallions, is rather early. It is possible that the designs of Robert Adam (1728-1792) may have been the source of inspiration. Hendrik Nieuwenhuys is certainly not the first silversmith  to use this style. The earliest example in this style may be a silver basket made by his fellow townsman Reinier Brandt in 1774. Johannes Schiotling also made a basket in this style during the same period. Hendrik certainly did not invent the design. His father also worked in this style, as evidenced by a silver basket made in 1777. Similar leaf-shaped feet and garden vases can be found in it. However, the difference is that both Brandt and Schiotling, as well as Harmanus Nieuwenhuys, his father, applied the ornaments, whereas Hendrik engraved the garlands and garden vases on the basket. All baskets by these silversmiths from Amsterdam have similar leaf-shaped feet.