Red Lacquer Carrying Basket

This red lacquer bucket dates to the late 19th century and was originally used as a portable container for carrying food, water, and other goods for long distances. The tall carved handle allowed the container to be placed on a carrying pole balanced across the shoulders. Similar carrying boxes are used in wedding ceremonies and special occasions to deliver food offerings. This example has a rounded shape comprised of elmwood staves bound with metal bands and finished with bright cinnabar red lacquer.