Circa 1800s Antique Chinese Water/Well Bucket With Stand, Hand-Hewn Fruitwood and Original Iron Hardware, Qing Dynasty

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This handsome, antique, Chinese water/well bucket from the mid 1800s, was hand-hewn, using fruitwood staves that were bound together with … Read more This handsome, antique, Chinese water/well bucket from the mid 1800s, was hand-hewn, using fruitwood staves that were bound together with metal bands—its construction, showcases the craftsmanship of the period—and it has the original iron hardware!These buckets were traditionally used in rural China, for carrying water from wells or transporting harvested rice. The stand not only adds stability, but also elevated the bucket, preventing moisture damage.
Notice the bucket’s unique shape and pointed bottom— this was so that when the bucket was lowered into the well, that it would tip over easily, allowing the bucket to fill with water, and when force was applied to bring the bucket up, the strong collar (on the top), would stabilize the bucket and help prevent spillage.
The ensemble’s rich patina, signs of wear, and iron patches not only contribute to its beauty, but reflect the practical needs of agricultural life in the Qing Dynasty.
The bucket is 20 inches in width and including the stand, to the top of the iron latch, is 36 inches. With the latch down, the length of just the bucket itself, is 21 inches. The stand is 12 1/2 inches in height and 17 inches in width.
The total weight for both pieces is 22 pounds (combined). See less