Late 19th/Early 20th Century Substantially-Sized Wooden Chinese Harvest/Grain Bucket

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Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Note: Faux flowers are not included.

This handsome, generously-sized wooden harvest/grain bucket was once commonly used by … Read more Excellent Pre-Owned Condition.

Note: Faux flowers are not included.

This handsome, generously-sized wooden harvest/grain bucket was once commonly used by farmers in China to carry grain, rice or other vegetables from the fields. The carved handle was fashioned with a peaked center to allow the bucket to hang on a wooden pole for carrying purposes. Typically, the wooden pole held two buckets, one to the left and one to the right which the farmer then mounted on their shoulders. Typically buckets, utilitarian in nature, are unadorned but this one is rather special with its hand painted auspicious Chinese symbols. On the front and back you will find what appears to be the face of the Chinese qilin, a legendary hooved chimerical creature that appears in Chinese mythology, which generally has dragon-like feature with antlers, eyes with thick eyelashes, manes that always flow upward, cloven hooves and beards. While dragons in China, and thus qilin, are also most commonly depicted as golden, they may be of any color or even various colors and can be depicted as bejeweled or exhibiting a jewel-like brilliance. This qilin is surrounded by clouds (yun 雲) which bring the rain that is vital for farmers and are thus considered auspicious. The bucket’s left and right-side panels are hand painted with what appears to be chrysanthemums and peonies (or possibly camellias). The bucket was crafted from what we believe to be elm wood (because of the numerous worm holes). Rustic tapered carved handle is bent to fit snug on the sides and is fastened with hand forged nails. The corner iron brackets, also fastened with hand forged nails, have certainly help preserve its condition and reinforce the bucket. In great condition with age appropriate wear; still very solid and sturdy, considering its age. Height including handle 26”; height excluding handle 14”. 16¾” x 16½” W/D; interior 15½” x 15” x 13” W/D/H; weight 11 lbs. 6 oz. It has an uneven, raw, handcrafted texture, beautifully aged wood and a lovely patina. Beautiful and full of history, this bucket’s incredibly large size and rustic good looks lends itself well to being placed on a hearth, as a fabulous accent piece. Its size will also work well as a decorative storage piece for throws or small accent pillows, or as a gorgeous planter on an enclosed patio away from the elements (liner would be recommended and is not included).

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