Vintage Black Wooden Water Bucket MCFIX The decoration includes fish around

The decoration includes fish around the outside - symbols for good luck

for centuries

the white contrasting with the black faux silk tassel and beads

The middle figure holds a 'ruyi' sceptre -  an ancient auspicious symbol for power and good fortune and a sign of nobility

Vintage Black Wooden Water Bucket MCFIX The decoration includes fish aroundShanxi, circa 1960 These old buckets are from Shanxi province, each adorned with a single character on the front. The buckets are in their original shape and finish, now worn to a lovely patina. The shaped handles are typical of Shanxi design. The character on the bucket shown here to the left is (gng), meaning public or communal. The character on the bucket shown to the right is (s), meaning private or individual. This might have been an indication