Chinese Barrel Form Brass Bound Grain Measure With Calligraphy, 1915

Regular price: $800.00
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Sale price: $800.00

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A Chinese Republic-period grain measure, dated 1915, built in barrel form from broad wood staves bound top and bottom with brass bands. Pulley posts project from each side, and a brass drop-ring handle sits front and center, mounted on a floral brass back plate with a bail stop. This is a working "dou" measure, the standard unit for dry goods in Republic-era China.

One side carries an inscription in regular calligraphic script: "Chinese Republic 3rd Year (1915)," followed by four characters translating to "Our Own Eastern Tree Hall," the name of the building it likely once served. Three characters on the reverse are presumed to be the calligrapher's signature.

DIMENSIONS: 10-3/4" Diameter (top) / 14-1/2" Diameter (base) x 15-1/4" H

ORIGIN: China

PERIOD: Republic period, dated 1915 by inscription

MATERIALS: Wood (species unknown), brass

CONDITION: Visible wear consistent with age and handling. Scattered oxidation and tarnish across the brass bands, with a mark near the top band that may indicate a past repair. Patina on the ring pull and back plate.