Pair of Antique Chinese Grain Measure Buckets
Decorative and Functional Folk Art/Utilitarian Woodwork • Unidentified Chinese rural craftsmen/woodworkers
Style & Movement
Traditional Chinese Vernacular/Folk Art Furniture
Medium & Technique
Hand-planed wood with wrought iron reinforcements and tension-fit joints; features joined construction with a fixed central handle.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12-14 inches height/width; square-tapered sculptural format.
Subject Description
Functional measuring vessels used for grain or rice (known as 'dou'). The design is tapered toward the base for stability and features iron brackets at the corners to prevent wood shrinkage/expansion damage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Used/Antique); shows expected wear and patina consistent with age and agricultural use.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (for the pair)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a rural Chinese province (e.g., Shanxi or Zhejiang) and later entered the international antique or decorative trade.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the utilitarian beauty of Ming and Qing style vernacular design; historically significant as standard units of measurement in agrarian commerce.
Notable Features
Distinctive Dovetail-style metal reinforcement brackets and a deep amber-toned aged patina that highlights the grain of the wood.
Condition Issues
Visible surface abrasions, minor splitting of wood fibers, oxidation (rusting) of iron components, and possible historic insect exit holes.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a stable humidity environment; apply a light coat of high-quality paste wax to wood; avoid direct sunlight to prevent further drying/cracking.