A remarkable piece of Chinese social history. This wooden water bucket (shuitong) from the late Qing Dynasty / early Republic period bears a handwritten ink inscription on the handle — 「依朱兄送小親」 — meaning it was gifted to a child of a man named Zhu, carrying traditional auspicious wishes for abundance and prosperity.
Reinforced with twisted metal wire detailing. Beautiful as a floor planter, log store, blanket holder, or standalone statement piece.
Period: Late Qing Dynasty / early Republic of China, c.1900–1930s
Inscription: 「依朱兄送小親」 — gifted to a child of Brother Zhu
Construction: Dark-toned wood with twisted metal wire reinforcement
