Chinese Iron Fireworks Launcher, Based

The red pole has a gentle lean and a bamboo-like sense of poise.

This wood and iron fireworks launcher on a base is from China, and dates to the 19th century. Devices for holding and launching fireworks were generally simple, with a stand or holder that kept the tube upright and steady. Looking closely, a slightly curved red shaft with turned rings rises from a layered black base and supports a tubular grey cap tilted off true. Bare patches show along the painted stem, and the cap is dull and worn. It is 10 inches wide, 8 deep and 32 high.

A little crooked, a lot of character.