Swan handled water basin

Chinese antique swan handled water basin, known as a goose basin or swan basin because of the lovely design. A Chinese water bowl made in Ningbo in the late 19th Century. It is made from pine. It is designed and constructed to be held by the beak. They were used for the same purpose as a jug and bowl on a washstand in Europe. In China today they are frequently used for goldfish, and can often be seen at the entrance to shops.