This paper mache wine jar was built by a very light woven bamboo frame first and layered with many layers of paper before layers of black lacquer were applied on the outside surface to prevent the liquid from leaking. Such use of natural Chinese lacquer on objects to hold the liquid was used in China since seven thousand years ago and is still being used today!
Some of these wind jars were lacquered in red, some of them have double spouts. This one with a single spout has an original black lacquer still intact. On the surface, it was written in gilt with auspicious Chinese characters of Fu (Blessing) and Kang (Health, Prosperity) on each side
to bless life. Late 19-early 20th century.