Mountain Trough

This elmwood farm trough from China's Shanxi province charms with its asymmetrical form and dark wax finish. A common sight throughout rural Qing-dynasty China, a provincial trough such as this would have held grain for livestock and barnyard fowl. The rustic trough showcases the expressive grain and raw texture of Chinese elmwood, deeply weathered by a century of use. With its shallow basin, the trough makes a wonderful tabletop planter, perfect for colorful twinkling candles or orchids and other lush succulents.