large Stoneware Pot?

I've got this large pot that measures 19 1/2". I'm not sure if it is stoneware. It's got some weight to it, Unfortunately I am unable to take any further pictures, due to the woven style pattern, but in the hope that it will not hinder identity.

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Looks like a container used for agricultural purposes, eg, to keep grain.
A lot of items like this are being bought cheaply and imported from poor rural communities of India, China and Eastern Europe. I suspect this is Chinese.

NB. The value of such a piece is in the woven covering rather than the pot itself, so don't be tempted to take it out.

...Originally it would have had a lid.

No way would I do that NaomiM, So, would I be correct in saying, it is stoneware?

I would have expected earthenware, your pictures are good, but I can't say for sure from the pictures on this one sorry.

NaomiM wrote:
A lot of items like this are being bought cheaply and imported from poor rural communities of India, China and Eastern Europe.

Bought cheaply they maybe NaomiM, but my feeling on this, is that they are worth more than value. Value to me, is only what someone is prepared to pay and I can assure you, this is not for sale. Minimun resources at their disposal..............and can make something like this! Please forgive my ignorance, but like you have said, "from poor rural communities". The weave is of excellence and that I know, but that was not my initial question. My question was regarding the pot itself. So I am hopeing, with your expertese and knowledge, you will be able to help me.

Thank you for that NaomiM, I thought you might have some idea, with regards to stoneware or pottery Appreciated!

I would expect it to be earthenware too. Stoneware is more likely to be made oft they intended to be used for liquids or oils. I think this was more likely to contain seeds which would rot in a stoneware pot. Plus It's unlikely a rural community would cover a stoneware pot in basket weave. The weave would be a traditional craft practiced for centuries in the rural community. Such items may have been kept in the family for a few generations and built up a good patina through constant use.

Oops, typo. I meant 'if' not 'oft'

Unfortunately the photos of the rim are not in focus so that's all I can say about it.

If only I was psychic. I think this item needs to be posted in another forum too, don't you think? Yes, this pot certainly shows a lot of ware and use. I wished I could have followed it's journey. Thank you for you quick response.

I will try and see if I can take a better picture tomorrow. That will mean picking the thing up again or purchasing a wheel barrow.

My main reasoning for earthenware is that in most of the community's that make things like these, I doubt they would have the means to fire stoneware (higher temperatures needed) or the materials. I would expect this was made from locally dug clay, but may be wrong.

That makes definate sense Potty. Thank you for that. Why didn't I think of that before

The material used in the weaving may give you a clue as to it's origin - looks like Seagrass but a chair repairer will tell you for sure. Then a bit of googling will tell you where the material is used by locals?

Cheers! Skipposal, I will look into that. Hope these pictures are a lot better NaomiM.

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Looks like it's got a red surface patina that's giving it the appearence of terracotta, but there are a couple of small chips that are showing a yellow colour. Also seems to be a lumpy surface. If it's Chinese then they've probably used a loamy clay which may result in a yellow earthenware. But without seeing it and feeling it I can't say for certain.

Hi NaomiM, I've been spending sometime looking at Native America India Pottery, but nothing as yet. The colour is a reddish brown and looks and feels like a number of traditional compositions were used to make this pot. Unfortunately, I have nothing more to go than that. I hope this is of some help to you. Chinese is also a possibility. Apparently I have found out that loam is one of the oldest techniques and also was used and probably is still being used in the construction of liveable habitats.

Doubt it's Native American. Possibly African but I'd expect the pot to be a black earthenware. Chinese would be my best guess, especially if the broader slats in the weave are bamboo, but difficult to tell from a photo.

Spent some time today, soley looking at vintage and antique chinese pottery pots and yes, there does bare similarities with regards to the overall shape. The diagonal slats are bamboo NaomiM. I don't know if this will be of any help to you. I'm now focusing my thoughts around oriental, simply from the information you and others have provided. I took the pot to a friend who deals in antiques, hoping that she would add to the information already received. Apart from identifying that the pot has got some age and that the slats are cane, she was more interested in me selling it to her. Do you know of anyone that soley specializes in this sort of pottery with the woven pattern design?

Do you know of anyone that soley specializes in this sort of pottery with the woven pattern design?

Your best bet is a dealer specialising in ethnographic material. Without a providence they're more interior decorators pieces that of interest to collectors.

Oops, I meant Provenance

I am very grateful for your information NaomiM. I am currently awaiting replies to my emails sent to various specialist, with a view that I might get some answers. It's rather unfortunate, but is understandable that some companies might charge for their services. I will just have to wait and see. With no knowledge of ethnographic, I was able to obtain some useful information.