Chinese Bamboo-Form Tubular Box

A reddish-brown tube, grain flowing along its length, with narrow rings at each end.

This bamboo-form tubular box is from Fujian Province, China, and is contemporary. Huali is a hardwood used in Chinese furniture and small wooden objects, and cut in a tube it can take a smooth, polished finish. Slim cylinder in glossy dark reddish tones, showing a faint streaked grain. Thin raised rings near the ends and slightly flared caps mark the joins, and the surface carries a warm, even shine. It is 26.5 inches high and 3.25 in diameter.

Plain, long, and supremely well mannered.