Posted 3 years ago
smshart
(8 items)
This planter? measures around 6 inches tall and at widest point of crab approx. 5 inches wide-the crab is applied and fairly detailed with protruding eyes. There is splotchy spots to the glaze. There is a 'signature' that I can't make out and a number as well. Ideas are greatly appreciated.
The top of handle has a 'notch' where one can place their finger and carry from that, there is no area/hole where a chain would have come out from the top, as seen in 'wishing well" style planters.
Opinions would be appreciated greatly!
The design is a traditional Japanese wooden bucket, to carry water. You can see the real deal here https://br.pinterest.com/pin/248190629437656574/
Thank you mcheconi! That narrows that part down, as I knew it wasn't a wishing well but no clue beyond that. Would you have any idea as to age of this piece or where this was made, I assume USA but there isn't any marking to indicate that? Thanks!
The theme is VERY Japanese, with the little crab crawling up the bucket. I would say it was made in Japan, the somewhat funny motif seems to be from the second half of the 20th century in my opinion, 1970s, 80s maybe?. The water bucket theme is very popular in Japanese ceramics as you can see here: https://www.google.com/search?q=ceramic+vase+Japanese+water+bucket+&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwib2v22pdD2AhU9qZUCHQxWCcgQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=ceramic+vase+Japanese+water+bucket+&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1DPCliSbGD8dmgAcAB4AIABigGIAZwOkgEEMC4xNZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=vc80YtuHJ73S1sQPjKylwAw&bih=663&biw=1366&rlz=1C1GCEU_pt-BRBR841BR841
Next time, try to find something like these: https://www.chairish.com/product/2218930/antique-meiji-japanese-basketweave-vases-with-crabs-and-snails-a-pair
Hi mcheconi,
Thanks! It's been fun to receive help in figuring this piece out- your effort to reply and links sent are most appreciated!
Regarding the rounded notch in the handle: buckets made with a notch were meant to be carried on a bamboo pole….with one person supporting each end of the pole on a shoulder, they could carry quite a lot of weight.
In Chinese tradition, the crab is a positive symbol….represents good things (you’ll have to look up the details on that…my memory can’t provide any more specific details).
Welcome to CW, by the way!
HI Watchsearcher,
Thanks for the additional info and the welcome!