Chinese Rough-Hewn Trough, On stand

Water was the job. The stonework was simply how the job got done.

This rough-hewn trough, on a stand, comes from Shandong Province, China, and dates to the 18th century or earlier. It is stone, the obvious choice for a vessel that had to hold water outdoors and stand up to animals. Troughs of this kind were ordinary working equipment on Chinese farms and in courtyards. Close, slanting chisel lines cover the outer face and interior walls, and a small round hole sits low in the front. A square-legged wooden stand lifts it clear. 42 inches wide, 16 high.

Plain work, done thoroughly, and left at that.