Chinese Iron Fireworks Launcher, Based

Observe a close look into a square cup, rim crisp and interior dark and weathered.

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. Visually, the view shows a square, flared cup with a flat lip, dark grainy walls and a ridged collar beneath it. A thin rod descends below, softly blurred, and the surface is a dusty grey-brown. It is 10 inches wide, 8 deep and 41 high.

Deep, dark and mysterious about whatever it once held.