Antique Chinese Rice Barrell, hand painted with scenes of scholarship and natural animal life. Specifically: 1. a young woman reading, 2. a yound man writing or drawing calligraphy, 3. ducks on a lake, and, 4. a crested bird with an animated expression. The top of the barrell is also a painted surface with a representation of a dog (I think!) This is the only section of the barrell with actual damage to the decorative image, as for example, a spill, or water damage. Each decorative scenes is placed within a decorative surround comprised of various design motifs.